Cordillera Day preparations: Benguet receives unity relay gong from Abra

By Carlito C. Dar

SABLAN, Benguet -- The provincial government headed by Gov. Nestor Fongwan welcomed here last week the Cordillera Unity Relay with the ceremonial beating of the gong and a cañao – a native thanksgiving ritual.

           

Fongwan received the   unity relay gong from the Abra delegation headed by Vice Gov. Rolando Somera.

           

The Cordillera Unity Relay, which started at the historical Mt. Data Hotel in Bauko, Mountain Province last May 28, is a major activity for the 25th anniversary of  the Cordillera Administrative Region  this July. 

           

A gong which serves as the unity symbol will be transferred from province to province until it reaches Baguio City, the regional capital, for the commemorative program on July 15.

           

From Mt. Province, it moved to Abra  last June 4.  From Benguet, the symbolic gong will be brought to Lagawe, Ifugao on June 18, then to Tabuk, Kalinga on June 25 and to Luna, Apayao on July 2.

           

According to Fongwan, such activity will show that Cordillerans are united in moving the region towards development.

           

He said it is apt  Wwe look back to the history of the region with pride and for all of us to work together to give hope – for a better Cordillera and state of life for the future generations, referring  to the anniversary theme of, “Looking back with pride, moving forward with hope.”

           

Fongwan said we was willing to discuss with other governors and officials of the region the Cordillera Regional Autonomy and Development Project (CRADP).             

He added Benguet, in the pursuit of autonomy, only wanted to ensure that its local resources, environment and natural resources  are protected  as these drive the economy and development of the province.

           

Fongwan said Benguet was pushing for more income  through national wealth tax  from its natural resources  such as operations of Ambuclao, Binga dams and San Roque dams, even as he  stressed the need to review the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, Renewable Energy Act and other related local legislation  for such purpose.