Cordi execs urge P-Noy:Certify autonomy bill

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – Cordillera leaders urged support to creation of the autonomous region through a manifesto of joint support for passage of House Bill 5595 and Senate Bill 3115 that seeks to establish an autonomous region in the Cordillera signed during the 25^th Cordillera Day celebration last July 15.

           

Mayor Mauricio Domogan said majority of the governors, vice governors, mayors and vice mayors of the 76 towns, six provinces and two cities signed the manifesto which also urged President Benigno S. Aquino III to certify the said bills as urgent measures to speed up their approval.

           

“We resolutely and steadfastly believe that Autonomy provides for us the opportunity to exercise our fundamental and Constitutional right to self-determination and allow us to defend, protect, conserve and develop our patrimony and cultural heritage, in order to secure for ourselves and our posterity a region of peace and prosperity founded on truth, freedom, justice, love and human solidarity through a Regional Autonomous Government that shall ensure our human rights, our human development, economic growth and our active participation as citizens in the affairs of a united Philippine State,” the manifesto stated.

During the foundation day program held at the Baguio Convention Center, Cordillera officials led by Domogan, Benguet Governor Nestor Fongwan, Apayao Rep. Eleanor Begtang and Gov. Elias Bulut Jr., Ifugao Gov. Eugene Balitang, Mountain Province Gov. Leonard  Mayaen, Kalinga Acting Gov. Allen Jesse Mangaoang and Tabuk City Mayor FerdinanceTubban echoed the content of the manifesto and exhorted Cordillerans to unite for the realization of the aspiration for self-rule and self-determination.

Domogan said it is high time for the Cordillera region to establish a permanent regional identity where it will have freedom to manage its people and natural resources, enjoy more financial benefits from the national government while retaining the existing benefits and powers presently being enjoyed.

The rest of the speakers conveyed their desire to achieve regional autonomy to preserve Cordillera’s unique culture and enjoy all the socio-economic and political benefits deserved by an autonomous region.  

One of the highlights of the CAR anniversary activities which centered on the theme “Looking Back with Pride, Moving Forward with Hope,” was the beating of the “unity gong” to showcase the region’s oneness in said aspiration.

The unity gong was turned over to the city officials by Apayao leaders in ceremonies last July 14.  Baguio was the last seat in the Cordillera Unity and Peace Relay ceremonies which fired off in Mt. Province last May 28 to drumbeat the call for support to autonomy in the cities and provinces comprising the CAR.  Each of the provinces and cities had their chance to host the gong during the relay with Baguio as the final destination.