Bontoc affirms support to Cordillera autonomy

By Christy Mae C. Pangesfan

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Affirming this capital town’s commitment to Cordillera autonomy, Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., voiced support during the Cordillera Regional Autonomy Summit and Youth Fora, hosted by the Mountain Province State Polytechnic College Dec. 7.

    Themed "Garnering people's support for regional autonomy towards an inclusive and sustainable regional development," the event aimed to boost thrust for Cordillera regional autonomy by seeking support from stakeholders, with focus on engaging students and youth from state universities, colleges and higher education institutions.
    In his message, Tudlong expressed his support and commitment to Cordillera autonomy saying this will allow the region to have a stronger voice in decision-making processes that affect the region’s natural resources thus giving Cordillerans power to protect and preserve the environment.
    “For many years, we the people of the Cordillera have been advocating for autonomy, the right to govern ourselves and shape our destiny,” he said. said. “I give my resounding support to fellow Cordillera Regional Autonomy advocates that this quest is not about separation or division. It is about recognizing the unique identity, culture, and aspirations of the Cordillera people within the framework of the Philippine Constitution. It is about empowering us Cordillerans to make decisions that directly impact our lives and resources.”
    The mayor urged the youth to pursue their passion, talents and interests to contribute to attaining Cordillera autonomy.
    “To the youth in Mountain Province, your support for Cordillera autonomy is a testament to your passion and desire for cultural preservation, economic development, and political empowerment. As young people, you have the power to challenge the status quo, advocate for change, and leave a lasting impact on our society. Use the platform available such as social media, of which I know you are all well-versed of using,” he said.
    The event was attended by Rep. Maximo Dalog, Jr’s political affairs officer Erlindo Agwilang, Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan, Jr., represented by provincial legal officer Thomas Kiwang, Regional Development Council Cordillera chairperson, Apayao Gov. Elias Bulut, MPSPC president Dr. Edgar Cue, Bauko mayor Randolf Awisan, media partners and MPSPC personnel and students.
 

Read more...

Youth urged: Boost role to attain Cordi regional autonomy

LAMUT, Ifugao -- The regional National Economic and Development Authority participated in the Cordillera regional autonomy summit and youth fora here Dec. 1 at Ifugao State University Lamut campus urging the youth to take larger role in attaining it.  
    Here, Legriv Vilee I. Marquez, representing regional director Susan A. Sumbeling, presented overview of the Cordillera Regional Development Plan 2023-2028.
    Marquez bared the regional development framework to improve people's lives, boost the economy and create an enabling environment through responsive and inclusive governance, climate action and disaster risk reduction, sustainable infrastructure, and culture-sensitive governance and development.
    He bared development strategies that can benefit youth and identified areas where they can actively engage and participate as partners in regional development. Marquez said regional autonomy is integrated in the plan and is important in achieving inclusive and sustainable development in the region.
    He cited the youth's pivotal role in shaping the region's present and future, urging the young adults to voice out their perspectives and actively engage with various sectors and stakeholders.
    The Regional Development Council Cordillera Administrative Region oversees implementation of CAR RDP 2023-2028.
    It is venue for stakeholders to provide relevant policies and push development projects to attain its outcomes and goals toward the attainment of socioeconomic transformation for a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Cordillera.
    He said NEDA-CAR is committed in actively involving the youth in regional development like by participating in the Cordillera Regional Autonomy Summit and Youth Fora.
    The inaugural event was hosted by Kalinga State University followed by IFSU.
    Upcoming events were held at University of the Cordilleras on Dec. 4 and Mountain Province State Polytechnic College Dec. 7.
 

Read more...

RDC, NEDA push autonomy campaign in Abra, Apayao

By Kathleen Irah B. Magaliao

BAGUIO CITY – Proponents for Cordillera autonomy are pushing the advocacy and held information campaign in Abra and Apayao in line with campaign of the Cordillera Regional Development Council.
    The Social Preparation of CAR into an Autonomous Region (SPCAR) program staff along with members of the RDC speakers Bureau went to 10 municipalities in Abra and Apayao which have not yet been reached by the program’s information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns the past years.  
    Town reached this year in Abra were Langiden and San Quintin on June 27-29, Lagayan, San Isidro, and Pilar on Sept. 21-23, and Tubo, Licuan-Baay, and Tineg on Oct. 3-5.
    Meanwhile, campaigns were held in the municipalities of Calanasan and Flora in Apayao last July 12-13.
    In these IECs, local government employees, barangay officials, private sector representatives, and government employees were invited to listen to lectures and engage in an open forum where questions and concerns about regional autonomy and details about House Bill 3267: An Act Establishing the Cordillera Autonomous Region are raised and discussed.
    Manifestos of support were also collected after programs. 
    Miss and Mister Cordillera Autonomy Youth Ambassador 2022 Angela May Respicio and Shawn Michael Barilla, Dr. Gregorio Taag, and Leonard Andanan served as speakers in the IECs mentioned above. 

    The SPCAR program aims to conduct at least one IEC campaign for each municipality in the region. 
    In the coming months, IECs will be coordinated with local government units of remaining unreached municipalities.
    IEC campaigns in online platforms are also done on major social media sites through the account named “One Cordillera” in Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Tiktok. 
    The National Economic Development Authority – Cordillera Administrative Region (NEDA-CAR), as the secretariat of RDC-CAR headed by regional director Susan A. Sumbeling, is managing the SPCAR program.
    It leads formation and implementation of programs advocating and forwarding the regional autonomy agenda of Cordillera in platforms such as inclusion of the advocacy in development plans.
 

Read more...

Cordillera reg’l autonomy pushed in ‘Dagyaw’ talks

BAGUIO CITY— The “Cordillera Dagyaw” pushed quest for Cordillera autonomy with wherein the Dept. of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Cordillera urged local government units to take a more active role in attaining autonomy for the region.
    “The Department, in partnership with other regional line agencies, recognizes that our pursuit of regional autonomy poses significant challenges and complexities. "Dagyaw 2023 Episode 2: 'Usapang Awtonomiya' provided a platform to acknowledge the historical and cultural elements that contribute to our unique Cordilleran identity. This initiative reflects our shared aspirations for cultural preservation, equitable resource management, and responsible governance," said DILG Cordillera regional director Araceli San Jose.
    She said the episode reinforced the national government's support to establish regional autonomy. 
 Cordillera autonomy is provided for in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which specifically states that:     “There shall be created autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao and in the Cordilleras consisting of provinces, cities, municipalities, and geographical areas sharing common and distinctive historical and cultural heritage, economic and social structures, and other relevant characteristics within the framework of this Constitution and the national sovereignty as well as territorial integrity of the Republic of the Philippines.”
    San Jose said Dagyaw was intended to improve trust and confidence between the people and their government by providing a safe and protected space for dialogue for multiple sectors across society.
    Dagyaw proponents include DILG, Dept. of Budget and Management (DBM), Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Cordillera with national and regional government agencies, as well as Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation Inc. (JVOFI), Cordillera Network of NGOs and POs (CORDNET), Peoples Organization for Social Transformation (POST), Pansigedan Advocacy Cooperative (PAC), Council for the Restoration of Filipino Values (CRFV), Filipino Japanese Foundation of North Luzon Inc. (Abong), Doctors for Indigenous Health and Culturally-Competent Training, Education, Networking and Governance Inc. (DITENG) and  North Luzon Federation of Cooperatives and Development Center (NORLU CEDEC).
    The public can participated in Cordfillera autonomy discussions live stream of "Dagyaw 2023: Usapang Awtonomiya," through official Facebook pages of the DILG, DBM, and PIA Cordillera on Oct. 12.
    San Jose urged local government units to step up their support to the region's call for autonomy, saying LGUs were in best position to understand and address concerns and aspirations of communities.
She said    LGUs play crucial role in amplifying voices of their people and ensuring their concerns are acknowledged and resolved.
    “Our journey toward regional autonomy is not just a political endeavor; it is an affirmation of our commitment to preserving our cultural heritage, empowering our communities, and ensuring the prosperity of our region. It is about shaping a future where decisions affecting our lives and the lives of our children are made right here, within the boundaries of Cordillera,” the DILG regional director said. -- PMTG-DILG-CAR

 

Read more...

Cordillera Heroism

 CULTURAL NOTES

Richard Kinnud

There is no single native word in the Cordillera languages which upon hearing would straight off translates in the mind as the English word hero.  Or to be more precise, none that I know. 
    But when it comes to words that are near in meaning such as those describing the characteristics of a hero, there surely are.  For instance, if hero means a protector or a defender, in my native Ifugao language, it is  termed as mangipapto’ , munhalipaput, mangihalipodpod, or mangipaput.  If it is to particularly refer to someone who comes to an aid or comes as an ally when another bullying, the word is the immabal or naabal. 
    If hero is someone who lived in the past but is now presented as model or are invoked in rituals for help for the living, the Ifugao language has the term, mabaki.
    I am certain it is similar in the other languages in the Cordillera.  We have words for savior, helper, fighter and the like.  And for adjectives such as courageous, fierce, good, fine, helpful and others that can be attributed to a hero. 
    These goes to show that heroism is embedded in our culture.
    In fact, there are already those from the Cordillera ancestry that are publicly acknowledged as heroes.  There are also a lot of literature about heroes here and from this part of the country.
At     Luneta Park, among those in the so-called gallery of heroes, is a bust of a Cordilleran.  The brass citation says: “Mateo Cariño / Cordillera, c. 1898 / The Ibaloi chieftain of Benguet who led a successful revolt against the Spanish garrison in La Trinidad in 1898. Aguinaldo made him ‘captain’ of Baguio and head of the Igorot army.”

He was the same Cariño associated to the so-called Cariño doctrine as the complainant in a land case litigated by a law firm known as the Coudert Brothers, who defended the idea that native land considered by a people as theirs (in this case, Cariño’s) thru their customs and traditions are no longer public lands and should be honored as such which was upheld in the US Supreme Court (as the Philippines was then under the rule of the United States of America).
    The case had the impact not just in the country but worldwide of the recognition of the rights of indigenous peoples over their ancestral lands.  To many today, the association of the name speaks of his nobility, and thus worthy of regard as hero in addition to those cited on the bust in his honor.
    There was also this man named Biag which in the work of historian William Henry Scott was described as “Igorot Culture Hero” from the 17th century. In that Scott article published in the 1960s, thanks to digitization that it is available online today, Biag was described to have been baptized to Christianity while he for economic reasons was in the Christianized lowlands.  He, together with some companions, chose to return to the highlands. 
    His name is associated to the establishment of certain townships to include what we now know as Sagada.  Some accounts in that article points to him as responsible for the introduction certain practices that are now part of the cultural identity of places in the Mountain Province.
    Not too far from memory of peoples is Macling Dulag of Kalinga.  He is well-known for the struggle of his community against the construction of a dam along the Chico River. 
    The news had it that he was murdered by the military.  The view thus was that his death was a sacrifice in defense of his home land that was marked to be submerged to give way to the construction of the dam.
There are many other names that would pop up if you would google the words “Cordillera heroes.”. There are those being honored by certain local organizations as heroes.  And it would be noted that it is for causes similar to Cariño, Biag, and Dulag.

It is said that people are said to be heroes as a personification of the aspiration of a particular society.  The accounts about Cordillera heroes would tell that our aspiration is related to defense of the land which could be understood in the larger scheme as sustainability of our natural resources, preservation of a cultural identity, and steering own direction. 

It is said that heroes are presented as models to guide people of correct and near perfect actions on said aspirations.  The question is would people look at it that way.  May National Heroes Day pass not simply as a no-classes, no-work day.

 

 

 

 

Read more...

Federalism and Cordillera autonomy

BEHIND THE SCENES 

Alfred P. Dizon

President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. must have drawn lessons when his old man was toppled as President in February 1986 during the so-called EDSA Revolution, reason why he is now pushing for a federal set-up of this Banana Republic.
    How the thrust for federalism would affect moves to attain a Cordillera Autonomous Region remains to be seen. But that is going ahead of the story.
    Marcos Jr., popularly known as Bongbong made the pitch when he led oath taking of new members of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas at Heroes Hall of Malacañang Palace on Thursday, August 24.
    In his speech during the oath-taking ceremony of new members of his political party, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), the President said the seemingly federal set-up would continue by bringing more power centers to other parts of the country.
    "That is very simple. That derives a very simple idea that the stability of a political structure is much more reliable when we have many power centers. If the power centers only belong here in Manila, then pabagsakin mo 'yung Manila, bagsak ang buong Pilipinas (if Manila falls, the entire Philippines would fall)," Marcos was quoted as telling his partymates.
    "But with the power centers being given to the local governments, to the local districts, and to those operating at the local level and thereby bringing those power centers to many places, it makes for a more stable political structure and makes a more stable political life," he added.
    Marcos also said that the decision-making in the government should be made at the lowest level as possible, saying governors and congressmen should be allowed to decide since they know the situation on the ground.
    "What we are talking about here is federalism, and what we have started to do, kahit (even) in all but name, ang ginagawa ay talagang ibinibigay ang discretion, ang power, ang function, hangga't maaari, sa pinaka mababa na level na maari nating gawin. So we are doing the first step of the federal government for the Philippines, in all but name," he said.
    "There has to be a central tenet and central principle to what we are doing. And we are talking here about federalism. What we have started to do, in all but name, ang ating ginagawa ay talagang ibinibigay ang discretion, ang power, ang function, hangga't maaari sa pinakamababang level na maaari nating gawin (is really give the discretion, the power, the function, as much as possible, to the lowest level as much as we can)," he added.
   ***
Related to this, at press time, the NPT received an e-mail from the office of Sen. Robinhood "Robin" C. Padilla saying he was “more than ready to level up his efforts to pursue federalism,” especially after the President  expressed support for it.
    Padilla said one way to do this is to discuss proposals to amend the 1987 Constitution to ensure the power to provide services truly goes to the local government units.
    "Matagal ko nang isinusulong ang pederalismo, kung kaya't isang malaking inspirasyon ang pahayag ng ating Pangulo tungkol dito. Handa akong gawin ang lahat para makamtan ito (I have long pursued federalism, so the President's statement is a big inspiration for me. I am prepared to do what it takes to achieve this)," said Padilla, chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes.
    Padilla said he agrees with the President that power should not be concentrated in "Imperial Manila."
In July 2022, Padilla filed Senate Resolution 6 where he said it is high time to fine-tune the 1987 Constitution - including considering a shift to federalism and a parliamentary government - so it can fulfill its goal of providing Filipinos with a just and humane society.
    Padilla said the country's economic growth has been "largely centralized" in Metro Manila and its neighboring regions such as Central Luzon and Calabarzon, which accounted for 57 percent of Gross Domestic Product - compared to 43 percent in the other 14 regions - from 2019 to 2021.
    He said it is time to study federalism to undertake policy-making and legislative functions "reflective of the concerns of our various geographical regions."
    Also, he said a shift to a parliamentary system may provide political stability that would prevent an unconstitutional or divisive way of removing a head of government such as a coup or "mob rule."
               ***
How federalism will affect moves of the Regional Development Council of the Cordillera to attain autonomy for the region, like we said earlier,  remains to be seen.
    But then, speakers tapped by the RDC to promote Cordillera autonomy have been saying there is actually no conflict in this since autonomy could be attained first before the country assumes a federal set-up.
    But even so, what if Cordillera constituents would reject again another Organic Act to make the region autonomous?    
    Would a Cordillera Federal State answer the so-called clamor for Cordillera autonomy?
    This, while, militant people’s organizations like the Cordillera People’s Alliance are saying “genuine” Cordillera autonomy could not be attained unless the Philippines becomes a genuine (that term again) democratic, nationalist  country.        
 
 
 
COMBATING VOTE BUYING, SELLING.  Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Erwin Garcia cites new strategies to combat vote buying and selling during the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on Oct. 30 in an interview Tuesday (Aug. 22, 2023) at Camp Crame in Quezon City. He said they will release guidelines for its Kontra Bigay resolution upon the approval of Comelec en banc. (PNA photo by Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan)
 

Read more...

Cordi top officials to Marcos: Certify autonomy bill urgent

By Legriv Vilee I. Marquez

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., in his speech delivered by Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon Asst. Sec. Ana Carmela Remigio, celebrates with the people of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) as they commemorate the 36th Cordillera Day on July 15, 2023 in the Province of Apayao.  
    “Today, we honor the many feats you have achieved and the challenges you have prevailed upon through the years.     Therefore, let us all celebrate with pride and vigor the solidarity, dynamism, and camaraderie among the Cordillerans”, said the President. The latter was not able to attend the event due to bad weather.
    Expressing his hopes that President Marcos, Jr. is inclined to help the region in the pursuit of regional autonomy, RDC Chair and Apayao Gov. Elias C. Bulut, Jr. encouraged everyone to rekindle their hope.
    He shared that the Cordillera governors and Congressional representatives plan to seek an audience with the President to certify the autonomy bill as urgent.
    Gov. Bulut urged everyone to continue their strong support toward regional autonomy. “We have high hopes that the autonomy that we would want to enjoy in the Cordilleras ket suportaran ni Apo Presidente. Dagitoy dagiti namnamaen tayo (We have high hopes that the autonomy that we want to enjoy in the Cordilleras will be supported by the President. This is what we hope for)”.
    Chairperson of the Committee on Indigenous Peoples Concerns (CIPC) and Mountain Province Gov. Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. invited all Cordillerans to carry forward the pursuit of regional autonomy and work harmoniously for the betterment of the future generation in the region and the country, as stewards and heirs of the Cordillera region.
    The Cordillera Day marks the convergence of the seven provincial and city unity gongs.
    The people of Apayao, serving as the gracious host of the event, welcomed all representatives from the provinces and the City of Baguio in the meaningful gesture of hanging each of their provincial and city unity gongs in the regional unity gong stand and beating the regional unity gong. This symbolic action affirmed their shared unity and aspiration with the rest of the Cordillerans for regional autonomy.
    The people of Apayao witnessed the outpouring of support for the Cordillera Day celebration in the province as regional executives, along with stakeholders from provinces and cities of the Cordillera, attended the event.
    Governor Bulut, Jr. leads the Cordillera Month celebration as the RDC Chair and host province, together with the Committee on Indigenous Peoples chaired by Mountain Province Gov. Lacwasan, Jr. and NCIP-CAR as the host committee and agency, respectively.
    Earlier, Malacañan Palace, through Proclamation 250, declared July 15 of this year as a special non-working holiday in the region to give locals the full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration.

 

Read more...

Regional autonomy pushed; Cordillera Month kicks off

By Legriv Vilee I. Marquez

BAGUIO CITY – Commemoration of 36th Cordillera Month kicked off in ceremonies here July 1 with more than 300 participants from government agencies, local government units, academe, civil society organizations and private sector.
National Economic Development Authority Cordillera Regional Director Susan A. Sumbeling led the agency’s participation in the ceremony.
    The NEDA acts as secretariat in the pursuit for regional autonomy themed this year: “Celebrating one, resilient, diverse and inclusive journey toward regional autonomy.”
    Cordillera Month is an annual observance conceptualized by the Cordillera Regional Development Council to increase awareness on  autonomy advocacy and generate support from stakeholders for passage an Organic Act for an autonomous Cordillera.
    Along with RDC members and private sector, the kick-off program commenced with the opening ritual by Ibaloi elders at Ibaloi Heritage Park here at the central business district.
    Elders offered a pair of chicken and a pig to pray for success of  Cordillera Month events.
    RDC Cordillera chairperson and Apayao Gov. Elias C. Bulut, Jr., in his message delivered by RDC co-chair Edna C. Tabanda, said commemoration of Cordillera Month marked the concerted efforts of its regional stakeholders toward the ultimate aspiration of the region to become autonomous.
    Elders and members of the youth sector also delivered their solidarity messages in the pursuit of regional autonomy.
    Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong said collective pursuit of regional autonomy serves as a powerful affirmation of Cordilleran identity in realizing regional development and good governance. University of Baguio president Javier Herminio D. Bautista, in his message delivered by Dr. Donnavila Marie

Panday, urged regional folks to “reflect on the Cordillera journey and to thrive for regional autonomy where aspirations and dreams of the people are given the platform it deserves.”

Cordillera director Atanacio D. Addog of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples unveiled the programs to look forward to following the kick-off and invited everyone to actively participate.

Tabanda and Sumbeling, led symbolic beating of the unity gong that officially signaled the opening of the month-long celebration.

The kick-off ceremony was capped by a community dance led by Youth Group Ayyoweng di Gangsa.

The RDC Cordillera committee on indigenous peoples concerns chaired by Mountain Province Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan, Apayao headed by Gov. Elias C. Bulut, Jr., and NCIP Cordillera host the 36th Cordillera Month celebration this year.

Read more...

‘Unity gong relay’ kicks off in Kalinga; autonomy historical moves recalled

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The “Unity Gong Relay” was launched here last week to signify thrusts to attain Cordillera autonomy even as history of the movement was recalled.  
    Mayor Darwin Estrañero, in his message during launching in the province, said development in Cordillera was not possible without peace and stability.
    “That is why there was the "alasiw" and the "sipat" or the exchange of peace tokens between the government and the Cordillera People's Liberation Army (CPLA) then headed by the Fr. Conrado Balweg 37 years ago,” he said.
    On April 7, 1986, he said the Lumbaya Company led by Fr. Balweg split from the communist Party of the Philippines (CPP-NPA) at the Kili valley in Baclingayan, Tubo, Abra and former the CPLA because of differences in ideology like protection of lands of indigenous peoples.
    Prior to July 15, 1987, then-president Corazon Aquino met with the Cordillera Bodong Administration-CPLA and presided over the alasiw to signify the sipat for the signing of the Mount Data peace agreement on Sept. 13, 1986, he added.
    The peace agreement paved the way for the cessation of hostilities between the CPLA and government forces in Cordillera.
Estranero said the sipat was followed by creation of a joint panel led by Fr. Balweg for the Cordillera side and Ambassador Emmanuel Pelaez for the government side to draft an executive order creating the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) in preparation for the enactment of the Organic Act that will establish the autonomous region.
    On July 15, 1987, Executive Order 220 was signed into law by then-President Aquino exercising both her legislative and executive powers that created the CAR, which comprised the provinces of Abra, Benguet, Mountain Province and Baguio city from Region 1 (Ilocos) and the provinces of Ifugao, Kalinga-Apayao from Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) to prepare for the subsequent establishment of the autonomous region.
    "The autonomy that we are fighting for is an offshoot of a long-time dream of every Cordilleran that the region must be developed as we have all the natural resources waiting to be tapped for the common good. This has been preceded by armed struggles, which the communist movement tried to take advantage of to push their political ideology that was contrary to Cordillera customs, tradition and culture," Estrañero said.
    He noted that EO 220 is considered as a reasonable measure by which the people of the Cordillera can actively participate in the pursuit of peace and development.

Read more...

Cordillera folks beat ‘unity gongs’ for regional autonomy

CAR celebrates 36th founding anniversary 

By Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Folks and officials of all Cordillera provinces beat unity “gongs” July 15 as the region celebrated its 36th founding anniversary as Cordillera Administrative Region as they pressed for realization of Cordillera autonomy. 
    This year’s theme is, "Celebrating one, resilient, diverse, and inclusive (CORDI) journey toward regional autonomy."
    The celebration this year is hosted by the province of Apayao and the Regional Development Council’s committee for indigenous peoples Concerns (CIPC).
    The CIPC is chaired by Gov. Lacwasan of Mountain Province with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Cordillera headed by regional director lawyer Atanacio Addog.
    Here in Bontoc, mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., led officials and folks in supporting Cordillera’s pursuit of autonomy when he received the “symbolic unity gong” from  delegates of Sadanga town morning of July 10 at the municipal capitol.
    The Unity Gong Relay, a symbolic act, made its way through municipal local government units in Mountain Province.
    This aimed to promote regional autonomy and garner support from local leaders.
    Sadanga Vice Mayor Paul Farong-ey in his turnover message said Sadanga was one with Cordillera he rallied unity for regional autonomy.
    He added benefits of becoming an autonomous region have been thoroughly explained, and “once achieved, regional autonomy will be enjoyed by everyone, by this generation and the next generations to come.”
    Mayor Tudlong in his acceptance message, said conditions in the Cordillera are different from the lowlands and coasts such as topography and indigenous culture, reasons some national policies, programs, and projects are not appropriate to the Cordillera situation.
    He said resource management systems, ownership and property concepts, social and family values, and indigenous knowledge systems and practices, or IKSP remain strong in the Cordilleran communities. “Granting autonomy to the region would empower local leaders with decision-making authority that will respond to particular conditions, needs, and aspirations of the Cordillerans,” he said.
    Gary Pekas of the Provincial Government of Mountain Province who is also a member of the Speakers Bureau for Social Preparation of CAR into an Autonomous Region (SPCAR) talked about the significance of the Unity Gong Relay and answered questions from the participants during the open forum.
    Other officials present during the Unity Gong Relay program in Bontoc were Sangguniang Bayan members led by Vice Mayor Eusebio Kabluyen, delegates from provincial government of Mountain Province led by Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan, Jr., and personnel from the National Commission on Indigenous People Mountain Province headed by lawyer Wilson Kalangeg.
    Participants included employees from the Bontoc LGU national government agencies.
    The Sangguniang Kabataan Samoki Chapter headed by SK chairperson Anton Zaren Nasungan performed a cultural dance.
    Meanwhile, Mayor Tudlong who led turnover of the 'unity gong' to the municipality of Besao led by Mayor Bryne Bacwaden July 10,  expressed hope the 'unity gong relay' will not merely be a ceremonial activity.
    “Rather, it will bring a strong message to every Cordilleran to rally and give their support for the realization of an autonomous region,” he said. "For the past years, we have witnessed how our leaders and other partner stakeholders gave their effort, commitment, and perseverance in rallying support in pursuit of regional autonomy. Yet, it is disheartening to know that some of those who have been passionately campaigning for the long and overdue aspiration to become an Autonomous Region have gone to great beyond and still did not witness it become a reality. They did their part. Now is our turn to do ours," Tudlong said.
    In his appearances before the crowd in the 'unity gong relay' in Bontoc and Besao, he appealed to the participants to relay the messages on autonomy to their families and respective communities.
    The inter-municipality turnover of the 'symbolic unity gong' was part of activities in celebration of the 36th Cordillera Month celebration.
    In Tabuk City, the “Unity Gong Relay” was launched here earlier o signify thrusts to attain Cordillera autonomy even as history of the movement was recalled.  
    Tabuk Mayor Darwin Estrañero, in his message during launching in the province, said development in Cordillera was not possible without peace and stability.

Read more...

Cordillera autonomy hearings pushed

By Gaby B. Keith

BAGUIO CITY -- Mayor Benjamin Magalong ratified city council resolution no. 204, series of 2023, urging Baguio Rep. Marquez Go to conduct public consultations on the latest version of the Autonomy Bill pending in Congress and the proposed amendments to the Revised Charter of the City of Baguio, if any.
    The approved measured stated that Go is actively doing important legislations such as the Autonomy Bill and Constitutional Amendments, the Summer Capital’s Revised Charter under Republic Act No. 11689 and the Metropolitan Baguio, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay Development Authority (MBLISTTDA).
    “These may soon become laws. It is therefore just and proper that the citizenry should be well informed and be part in crafting these legislations, otherwise, for lack of consultation and information, they might reject the law one way or another,” it stressed.
    The resolution pointed out that considering that these legislative measures will have significant implications on the lives and property rights of citizens and the City of Baguio, “a public consultation should be an important aspect of democratic governance allowing citizens to voice their opinions and concerns about matters that will affect them; consultations should be made part of national and local legislation.”
    It disclosed that in the consultation held on February 28, 2023 at the Baguio Cultural and Convention Center, the participants made an observation that the city’s revised charter could have included the amalgamation of barangays to comply with the standard requirement for a barangay set by the Local Government Code.
    Cordillera Congress representatives are rushing passage of House Bill 3267 that seeks establishment of  Cordillera Autonomous Region in the House of Representatives before adjournment of Congress the first week of June this year.
    Kalinga congressmen Allen Jesse Mangaoang of Kalinga, Maximo Dalog Jr. of Mountain Province and Mark Go of Baguio City, who headed a public consultation on the autonomy bill, said the bill was being calendared for plenary debates once Congress resumes its first regular session second week of May for the same to be approved on second and third readings before adjournment.
    Mangaoang said they wanted the autonomy bill will first be passed by the House so that there will be a compelling reason for them to request a meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for him to certify the bill a priority administration measure.
    A meeting with the President will be scheduled before he delivers his second State of the Nation Address before a joint session of Congress by 4th week of July so he will include the same in his address.
    Go said the approved House version of the autonomy bill will be submitted to Sen. Robinhood Padilla, who will author the Senate version and facilitate immediate passage of the bill.
    At present, no counterpart bill on the proposed autonomy law has been filed in the Senate.
    Mangaoang said former and incumbent Cordillera leaders who will be meeting with the President will present to him signatures from the region to support their request for certification of the autonomy bill as a priority administration measure.

Read more...

Cordillera congressmen set autonomy approval in June

BAGUIO CITY -- Cordillera Congress representatives are rushing passage of House Bill 3267 that seeks establishment of  Cordillera Autonomous Region in the House of Representatives before adjournment of Congress the first week of June this year.
    Kalinga congressmen Allen Jesse Mangaoang of Kalinga, aximo Dalog Jr. of Mountain Province and Mark Go of Baguio City, who headed a public consultation on the autonomy bill, said the bill was being calendared for plenary debates once Congress resumes its first regular session second week of May for the same to be approved on second and third readings before adjournment.
    Mangaoang said they wanted the autonomy bill will first be passed by the House so that there will be a compelling reason for them to request a meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for him to certify the bill a priority administration measure.
    A meeting with the President will be scheduled before he delivers his second State of the Nation Address before a joint session of Congress by 4th week of July so he will include the same in his address.
    Go said the approved House version of the autonomy bill will be submitted to Sen. Robinhood Padilla, who will author the Senate version and facilitate immediate passage of the bill.
    At present, no counterpart bill on the proposed autonomy law has been filed in the Senate.
    Mangaoang said former and incumbent Cordillera leaders who will be meeting with the President will present to him signatures from the region to support their request for certification of the autonomy bill as a priority administration measure.
    Cordillera congressmen expressed gratitude to representatives of local governments, government agencies, private sector, professional and civil society organizations for their inputs on improving provisions of the autonomy bill before it will be subjected to amendments after plenary debates in the House.
    The public consultation held in Baguio was part of initiatives of Cordillera congressional representatives to engage people of the region to provide their inputs on improving provisions of the autonomy bill so it will address development goals of the region when its current special administrative status will be converted from being administrative to autonomous.

Dalog said the establishment of the autonomous region will solve development woes of the Cordillera because it will be the regional government that will craft programs, policies and activities suitable to the current situation of the region, contrary to the current setup where the region is bound to comply with policies  handed down by the national government.

In Baguio, officials recently urged Rep. Go to conduct public consultations in the city on the latest version of the proposed autonomy law pending in Congress and the proposed amendments to the revised Charter of Baguio City if any.

Under Resolution 204, series of 2023, the city council stated during consultations held last Feb. 28 at Baguio Convention Center, participants said the revised Charter of Baguio city could have included merging of the city’s 128 barangays to comply with the standard requirement for a barangay as defined under the pertinent provisions of Republic Act 7160 or the Local government Code of the Philippines.

The council said the city’s representative to the House is actively doing important legislations such as the proposed autonomy law and constitutional amendments, and the revised Charter of Baguio City under RA 11689 and the Metropolitan Baguio-La Trinidad-Itogon-Sablan-Tuba-Tublay (BLISST) development Authority under RA 11932 which may soon become laws.

Read more...

Public hearings pushed on autonomy, city charter bills

BAGUIO CITY -- Officials here urged Rep. Mark Go to conduct public consultations in the city on the latest version of the proposed autonomy law pending in Congress and the proposed amendments to the revised Charter of Baguio City if any.
    Under Resolution 204, series of 2023, the city council stated during consultations held last Feb. 28 at Baguio Convention Center, participants said the revised Charter of Baguio city could have included merging of the city’s 128 barangays to comply with the standard requirement for a barangay as defined under the pertinent provisions of Republic Act 7160 or the Local government Code of the Philippines.
    The council said the city’s representative to the House is actively doing important legislations such as the proposed autonomy law and constitutional amendments, and the revised Charter of Baguio City under RA 11689 and the Metropolitan Baguio-La Trinidad-Itogon-Sablan-Tuba-Tublay (BLISST) development Authority under RA 11932 which may soon become laws.
    The city council said the city’s citizenry should be well informed and be part in crafting the said legislations, otherwise, for lack of consultations and information, they might reject the law.
    The body said considering that said legislative measures will have significant implications on lives and property rights of citizens in the city, public consultations should be an important aspect of democratic  governance allowing people to voice out their opinions and concerns about matters that will affect them; and that consultations should be always made part of national and local legislations.
    Earlier, the House committees on ways and means, local government and appropriations approved House Bill 3267 authored by all Cordillera congressmen that seeks to establish the Cordillera Autonomy’s Region where the same will be ready for plenary debates once the house committee on rules shall have scheduled the same after Congress will resume regular sessions after going on a Holy Week break until the first week of May. -- Dexter A. See

Read more...

House committee passes Cordillera autonomy bill

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- The House committee on appropriations approved House Bill 3267 that seeks establishment of the Cordillera Autonomous Region.
    Rep. Allen Jesse Mangaoang of Kalinga said the proposed autonomy law will be transmitted to the House committee on rules for the same to be calendared for plenary debates, approval on second reading, period of amendments and third reading.
    He expressed hope the House committee on rules will calendar the bill for preliminary debates before Congress goes on its usual Holy Week break third week of March.
    Mangaoang said since the proposed autonomy bill had been extensively deliberated and approved by the members of the 18th Congress, the measure will not encounter rough sailing in the 19th Congress.
    Many Senate members pledged their support for the passage of the bill, according to the Kalinga solon.
    Earlier, the House committee on local government and committee on ways and means approved the proposed autonomy law thus the bill was transmitted to the House committee on appropriations.
    Mangaoang expressed hope  the proposed autonomy law can be submitted to Cordillerans for ratification by 2024 so the Cordillera autonomous region can be established before the May 2025 midterm elections.
    Based on a series of pulse surveys conducted by the Regional Development Council in the Cordillera, there was significant increase in the awareness of Cordillerans on the region's quest for autonomy.

Read more...

Autonomy pushed in Cordi DILG, councilors, vice mayors leagues gab

CLARK, Pampanga — Sen. Francis Tolentino urged Cordillera legislators and Cordillerans to continue lobbying with Congress for passage of an autonomy bill so the upland region would get what it has been longing for.
    The genuine aspiration of the Cordillerans for genuine autonomy is rooted on the right to self-determination of the people fueled by a long history of struggle for the recognition of their rights.
    The region. Tolentino said, serves as foundation upon wherein people of Cordillera shall be empowered to pursue sustainable and inclusive growth, through the management, protection and development of their natural and human resources, and the promotion of the rights and culture of the Cordillera people.
    On July 15, 1987, President Corazon Aquino issued Executive Order 220 which created the Cordillera Administrative Region as a transitory coordinating agency in preparation for autonomy.
    Tolentino made this pitch as speaker of orientation conference by the Dept. of the Interior and Local Government, in collaboration with the Philippine Councilors League and Vice Mayors League of the Philippines, both Cordillera Administrative Region chapters during 3-day newly elected officials (NEO) orientation course to enable Cordillera legislators and public servants to explore strategies to make LGU services and performance better to boost living condition of their constituents.
    Tolentino, one of speakers urged local legislators to continue to serve as prime leaders and exemplars of good and participatory governance.
    "As prime leaders, you are the cream of the crop of public service. Be excellent leaders in discharging your responsibilities and fulfilling your mandates. Let it be a reminder that, as public servants, you must always be guided by the finest principles of public administration, notably altruism, loyalty, dedication, excellence, integrity, responsiveness, and accountability," he said.
    Sen. Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go, also a speaker, urged local legislators and other functionaries to continue providing quality services in accordance with good governance principles.
    “Public servants should embrace leadership that is inclusive, and non-violence through actions, and with courage to speak and act.”
    DILG CAR assistant regional director Ruperto Maribbay, Jr., said the “NEO orientation served as avenue for the local legislators to learn, reflect, and share their valuable insights and learning discoveries with their fellow leaders, to forge ties with their partners in the local government sector, and to build a strong network among themselves – a community of development co-creators.”  
    He added the orientation will help local legislators in advancing their LGUs’ capacities while adapting transformational leadership approaches based on values and ethical standards.
    The activity served as a venue for local officials to be oriented on laws and affecting local legislation that will aid in formulation of their legislative proposals and provide opportunity to establish linkage between the LGUs and national government agencies. 
    Resource people from partner agencies were invited to share their knowledge on the topics that will help local officials perform their duties.
    Intergovernmental relations and local executive-legislative relations, local legislative awards and seal of good local and administrative governance, sanggunian quasi-judicial functions, parliamentary procedures for local legislators, and development legislation.
    Topics included Sanggunian as driver for development and ABCs on effective local legislation.
    The event was attended by 248 officials including city/municipal vice mayors, sangguniang panlalawigan, sangguniang bayan, LNB presidents, SK presidents, SB secretaries and other LGU representatives.
 (PMTG/DILG-CAR) 

Read more...

Top Cordi execs join gab; told folks would vote for autonomy in plebiscite

By Kathleen Irah B. Magaliao

BAGUIO CITY – Majority of constituents of Baguio City, including the provinces of Benguet, Mountain Province, Kalinga, Ifugao, Apayao and Abra would vote for Cordillera regional autonomy if a plebiscite is held on the matter in the near future. 
    This was bared when top officials of the region gathered here Feb. 3 to discuss developments related to House Bill 3267 -- An Act Establishing the Cordillera Autonomous Region.
    Baguio Rep. Marquez Go said HB 3267, filed on August 8, 2022 and authored by all Cordillera district representatives, was approved on the first reading by the committee on local government and committee on ways and means of the 19th Congress in November and December 2022 respectively.
    The National Economic and Development Authority Cordillera Administrative Region through Assistant Regional Director Stephanie F. Christiansen joined discussions on developments related HB 3267.
    She bared results of the 2021 Pulse Survey on Cordillera Autonomy highlighting the current level of the region’s awareness of and support to the autonomy pursuit. 
    Christiansen said the recent survey indicated 61% of the respondents were aware of Cordillera Autonomy.
    Considering “yes” and “no”, 71.74% said they would vote for autonomy in case a plebiscite will be conducted in a near future with all provinces and one city voting “yes” to autonomy.
    The event was organized by the Institute for Autonomy and Governance, a Cotabato City-based non-government organization that specializes in study and advocacy for autonomy and sponsored by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS).
    Christiansen presented interventions done by the Regional Development Council Cordillera Administrative Region through the Social Preparation of CAR into an Autonomous Region (SPCAR) program in information, education and communication campaigns, alliance building engagements and capability building.
    Rep. Go urged the public to articulate support for the bill and specify provisions not beneficial for the people to be considered during the drafting of the bill so that according to him, “We can craft the best bill for the Cordillera.”
    Go designated NEDA-CAR to consolidate queries submitted and raised by the public. Government agencies, different sectors, and organizations are urged to submit statements of support.
    “This is to address the President that the people of Cordillera are in full support to this autonomy”, said Kalinga Congressman Allen Jesse ‘Sonny” C. Mangaoang.
    Ret. Gen Bisckmark Soliba, consultant of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), provided an overview of OPAPRU’s engagements in alliance-building activities and affirmed their support to Cordillera autonomy. 
    Meanwhile, Go said HB 3267 shall undergo review in the committee on appropriations and the committee on rules, submitted to the Senate, and finally be subjected to the approval of the president.
    Information campaigns and the plebiscite will be conducted upon the enactment of the Organic Act.
    The roundtable discussion was recorded and available for public viewing at the PIA Cordillera Facebook Page - https://fb.watch/iw35wo5dB5/. 

Read more...

Baguio council sets public hearings to push autonomy

BAGUIO CITY –  The City Council has set public hearings to push creation of Cordillera Autonomous Region.
City officials designated members of the City Council committee on indigenous peoples sub-committee in relation to House Bill 3267 on the creation of an Autonomous Region of the Cordillera.
    Under resolution 044, series of 2023, local legislators stated the sub-committee shall be composed of councilors Peter Fianza, Betty Lourdes F. Tabanda, Michael L. Lawana, Levy Lloyd Orcales, and Jose M. Molintas.
    Earlier, the local legislative body passed resolution 034, series of 2023 that created a sub-committee under the committee on indigenous peoples in relation to HB 3267 to spearhead the deliberation, discussions, dialogues, coordination and be able to intelligently form decision on the role of the city in the establishment of Cordillera Autonomous Region.
    The council directed sub-committee members to convene and select their own chairperson and hold regular public meetings with all stakeholders to organize their work and submit periodic reports and recommendations to the committee and furnish all Representatives of the cordillera in the House of Representatives.
    HB 3267 authored by all Cordillera congressmen seeks to establish the Cordillera Autonomous Region.
    The bill is now pending deliberation with the House committee on appropriations after the same was approved by the House committee on local government and House committee on ways and means.
    In 2006, the Regional Development Council in Cordillera pushed autonomy as main agenda to hasten development of the region. -- Dexter A. See

Read more...

Group created to push Cordillera autonomy

By Jordan Habbiling

BAGUIO CITY -- The City Council has passed a resolution creating a sub-committee under the committee on indigenous people to educate the public about House Bill No. 3267,  “An Act Establishing the Cordillera Autonomous Region.”
    The sub-committee shall consist of at least a lawyer, one female, and representatives of the Association of Barangay Captains and the Sanggunian Kabataan Federation.
    The sub-committee shall hold regular public fora in coordination with other government and non-government organizations, inviting guest speakers from concerned stakeholders using available resources and facilities of the city government.
    It shall submit periodic reports on the outcome of the fora to the city council’s Committee on Indigenous People and to all the representatives of the Cordillera Administrative Region to the House of Congress.
    Councilor Jose Molintas, author of the resolution said the active participation of the general public should be encouraged “in order to achieve a genuine autonomous region.”
    “Conversation, dialogues, and debates should be held in an appropriate forum in coordination with the other local government units and line agencies as well as active involvement of peoples organizations, non-government organizations, the academe, the media, and all sectors of the society,” Molintas wrote in the resolution.
    Two plebiscites (1990 and 1998) were conducted in the region to legalize Cordillera autonomy but majority of the voters rejected the proposed organic acts.
    Molintas attributed the rejection to insufficient understanding of the public on the need to convert the present status of the area from being an administrative region to an autonomous region.
    He said there was “urgent” need to involve the public in studying the provision of House Bill No. 2367 so that they will be “informed” and “consulted” about their aspirations for a genuine autonomous region to be incorporated in the discussions in the House of Congress and the Senate.
    He said this will prevent another rejection. 
    On August 8, 2022, House Bill No. 3267 was filed jointly by all the representatives of the Cordillera Administrative Region, seeking for the establishment of the Autonomous Region of the Cordillera. 

Read more...

House to check funding under Cordillera autonomous region

QUEZON CITY -- The House committee on local government has approved House Bill 3267 authored by all Cordillera district representatives to establish the Cordillera Autonomous Region but the panel led by Valenzuela First District Rep. Rex Gatchalian, referred the proposed autonomy law to the House committee on appropriations and committee on ways and means for approval of financial aspect of the measure.
    The approval of the bill on House committee level was done in the physical and virtual presence of authors Abra Rep. Menchie Bernos, Apayao Rep. Eleanor Bulut-Begtang, Baguio City Rep. Mark Go, Benguet Rep. Eric Yap, Ifugao Rep. Solomon Chungalao, Kalinga Rep. Allen Jesse Mangaoang and Mountain Province Rep. Maximo Dalog Jr.
    During early stages of the proceedings, Gatchalian was inclined to order the creation of a technical working group that will look into the contents of the proposed autonomy law as he was of the impression that it was not passed on third reading during the 18th Congress.
    But Mangaoang invoked Rule 10, Section 48 of the internal rules of procedures of the House, which provided if a bill approved on third reading in the previous Congress will be refiled and will not be contested by any member or resource person, the same can be immediately passed by the concerned House committee dispensing of the deliberations as it is presumed matters have been extensively deliberated upon by House members.
    He added authors will work closely to lobby for immediate passage of the proposed measure with the House committee on ways and means headed by Albay Second District Rep. Jose Ma. Clemente "Joey" Salceda and the House Committee on Appropriations led by Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co.

The Kalinga congressman said early passage of the bill in the committee level will allow authors to have time to work with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for issuance of certification that this is a priority administration measure so both chambers of Congress will act fast on the proposed measure.

Last  Aug. 8, all Cordillera representatives filed HB 3267 that seeks to create the CAR to ensure there will be enough time for it to be acted upon by  concerned committees tasked to render their approval of the measure, especially financial provisions of the bill.

Last May 30, the House approved on third and final reading the consolidated HB 10729 seeking establishment of the CAR which will be composed of provinces and cities that will ratify the Organic Act during a plebiscite that will be scheduled for the purpose.

 

Read more...

House panel backs creation of Cordillera Autonomous Region

By Jose Cielito Reganit 

QUEZON CITY – A House panel on Thursday expressed his full support for the establishment of the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR) which will hasten the economic and social growth and development of the region.
    “The establishment of the Cordillera Autonomous Region has been long overdue. It is high time that we legislate this very important a measure that will give Cordillerans the right to freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development,” said Valenzuela City 1st District Rep. Rex Gatchalian, chair of the House committee on local government said after his panel approved House Bill 3267.
    HB 3267 was filed by Representatives Ching Bernos (Abra), Eleanor Bulut-Begtang (Apayao), Solomon Chunglao (Ifugao), Maximo Dalog Jr. (Mountain Province), Mark Go (Baguio City), Allan Jesse Mangaoang (Kalinga) and Eric Go Yap (Benguet).
    “The genuine aspiration of the Cordillerans for genuine autonomy is rooted on the right to self-determination of the people fueled by a long history of struggle for the recognition of their rights,” the lawmakers said in pushing for the creation of CAR.
    They said CAR shall serve as the foundation upon which the people of Cordillera shall be empowered “to pursue sustainable and inclusive growth, through the management, protection and development of their natural and human resources, and the promotion of the rights and culture of the Cordillera people.”
    On July 15, 1987, President Corazon Aquino issued Executive Order 220 which created the Cordillera Administrative Region as a transitory coordinating agency in preparation for autonomy.
    Several attempts at regional autonomy have failed, however, in two separate plebiscites that would have given the region autonomy in self-governance much like the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), which is now the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
    The House of Representatives has approved a similar measure seeking to create CAR during the 18th Congress, but the Senate failed to pass the bill due to “lack of material time.”
    But with Thursday's approval of HB 3267 at the committee level, Gatchalian hoped that the quest of Cordillerans for autonomy would finally be realized in this 19th Congress.
    As chair of the Committee on Local Government, the Valenzuela City lawmaker will likely sponsor the bill when it will be taken up in plenary sessions.
    “I congratulate the authors of this measure for their fortitude in tirelessly pursuing its passage. We assure our Cordilleran brothers and sisters that this Committee will continue to fully support this measure until its final approval in the House,” Gatchalian said. -- PNA

Read more...