Activities set for July on founding of Cordi region

BAGUIO CITY – President Aquino has declared July 15 a special non-working holiday in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) in celebration of its 26th foundation anniversary.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa signed Proclamation 608 giving the Cordillerans an opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion themed “Bridging One Green Cordillera.”

CAR was created by virtue of Executive Order 220 signed by the Chief Executive’s mother, former President Corazon Aquino on July 15, 1987.

Six provinces and two cities compose the administrative region – Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mountain Province and the cities of Baguio and Tabuk. 

Anchored on the theme, “Bridging One Green Cordillera,” activities for the anniversary of the Cordillera started with the kick-off and unity gong send-off around the region, last Tuesday at the city hall grounds.

With Mayor Mauricio Domogan rendering the Uggayam (native chant), asking for divine providence for the region, its people and all endeavors for its progress; ceremonial animal offerings were done before the gong was finally on its way.

The unity gong made its way through Bontoc, Mt. Province; Lagawe, Ifugao; Tabuk, Kalinga; Luna, Apayao; Bangued, Abra; and La Trindad, Benguet for five days last week.

It shall be handed over by Benguet Gov. Nestor Fongwan to the Regional Development Council (RDC) during the program at St. Louis University Prince Bernhard Gym this Monday, July 15.

Earlier, however, an opening ritual: the unveiling of Relief Map Marker shall be done at 7 a.m. Burnham Park before a parade proceeds to SLU gym.

The parade of city, Cordillera and barangay officials, line agency employees, and concerned individuals shall pass through Abad Santos Drive-Calderon st- Session road-Magsaysay-Bonifacio, to SLU main gate up to the gym.            

A coffee/wine pavilion also goes on at the SLU gym, simultaneous with program.

During a media forum Wednesday, Mayor Domogan cited importance of support for Cordillera autonomy; as it is only this region and Muslim Mindanao which was given the opportunity for regional rights under the constitution.

We hope that after all this years, we will sustain our regional heritage, identity and culture; and that all our benefits and promised subsidy for 10 years as special region would be given, he said. Development, infrastructure, and resources which we share with neighboring areas would help us catch up with other regions, he added.

The mayor also revealed that the autonomy bill, filed during the 15^th congress shall be re-filed in the 16^th congress, as the law provides. He asked for support and input to the draft, instead of critical disapproval to the 17 articles of the draft. Alternative suggestions are welcome, as the draft is not perfect, he said.

Earlier, July 8, a media forum was held at the Department of Public Works and Highways – CAR, where the provisions were explained and appeals for support were aired.  

Other activities slated for Cordillera Day was the academic festival last Friday in La Trinidad, Benguet; Unity Run, 5 a.m. today at Lake Drive, Burnham Park; and Cordillera Association of Regional Executives (CARE) family day and closing program on July 26.

With presidential proclamation 608, July 15 is declared as a non-working holiday for the people of CAR to “be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies. – With a report from Julie G. Fianza