Pushing autonomy; Cordi economy posts huge gain

BEHIND THE SCENES

Alfred P. Dizon

(The article below is by the Philippine News Agency):  

BAGUIO CITY – As Cordillera leaders step up campaign for regional autonomy,  autonomous status, Cordillera recorded the highest economic gain in 2017, marking a 12.1 percent growth, propelled by rebounding industry and services sectors and a steadily improving agriculture.

 In his State of the Region Address at the celebration of the 31st Cordillera Day this July, Regional Development Council chairman and Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan said all major sectors of the region's economy grew last year, resulting in the highest growth among all regions in the country.

 Industry reversed its negative performance in 2016, rebounding with an 18.6 percent growth in 2017. Agriculture also recovered from a slump in 2016 with a 5.1 percent growth the year after. The services sector also advanced 5.8 percent, although this was a slowdown from the previous year's 7.1 percent growth.

Based on latest records of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Cordillera, the gross regional domestic product (GRDP), commonly known here as the regional economy, increased from an estimated P137 billion in 2016 to P153 billion in 2017.

The GRDP describes the economic performance of a region, which contributes to the gross domestic product or the status of the economy on a national scale. The growth is spurred by the industry sector, particularly manufacturing and construction, with numerous “build, build, build” projects brought to the region, as well as income from the export processing zones and the aggregate contribution of the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Industry accounted for half of the region’s total output at 52.1 percent, followed by services at 39.6 percent. Agriculture, hunting, forestry, and fishing contributed 8.3 percent.

“Industry rebounded from negative growth of 0.3 percent in 2016 to positive 18.6 percent in 2017, brought about by the accelerated growths of manufacturing and construction,” PSA-Cordillera regional director Villafe Alimbuyog said in a report.

Manufacturing posted a robust growth of 19.5 percent in 2017 from 3.8 percent the year before. Construction turned around from negative 26.4 percent in 2016 to positive 23.6 percent in 2017.

Domogan added that employment in the region is at its highest at 95.7 percent and unemployment is at its lowest at 4.3 percent. 

In his address, Domogan also expressed thanks to President Rodrigo Duterte for backing the region's bid for self-determination.

“A milestone for us was our meeting with the President in July 2017 at the Malacañan Palace, where our quest for autonomy was strengthened with the President agreeing to prioritize the passing of the CAR autonomy bill, together with the Bangsamoro Basic Law," he said.

 The RDC, which Domogan heads, has constantly stressed that autonomy is strategic to the development of the Cordillera.

“We need to have political and fiscal autonomy to implement our regional development agenda--an agenda that is responsive to the unique needs of our region and our people,” Domogan said. "We aim for a Cordillera region that is progressive and inclusive.”

“We must pursue a development path that is poverty-reducing, a path that develops the vast potentials of our region, a path that is environmentally sound and sustainable.

How much more can we grow our economy under an autonomous government, where we are in control over our resources? I am certain we can do much more,” he added.

"CAR was the fastest growing economy in the country in 2017," National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Cordillera Regional Director Milagros Rimando said.

“With the declining trend in poverty, we are confident that with sustained growth and improving employment, the region can achieve its poverty target of 15.9 percent in 2022." Domogan said 23 local government units in Cordillera were recognized and given the seal of good local governance in 2017.

This only shows, he said, how the region's local government units (LGUs) have stepped up implementation of government programs for the improvement of their communities.

“We recognize the efforts of our local government units in continually instituting governance reform and sustained local development, especially in promoting transparency, integrity and quality service delivery,” he said.

He added that LGUs in the region also did well in 2017, with regards to the cities and municipalities competitiveness index, based on the our pillars of economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure, and resiliency.

Domogan also reported that Baguio City improved its ranking to 11th in 2017 from 14th in 2016 among highly-urbanized cities in the country.

The towns of La Trinidad, Benguet and Bangued, Abra also made it last year to the top-100 most competitive 1st to 2nd class municipalities in the country.

The towns of Buguias and Tublay in Benguet, Lamut in Ifugao, Bauko in Mountain Province, and Santa Marcela, Apayao were also among the top 100 most competitive 3rd to 6th class municipalities in 2017.

Addressing the LGUs in the region, Domogan said: “To help realize a Cordillera region that is progressive and inclusive, local government units must continually strive to improve conditions for doing business in their area. We reiterate the RDC’s appeal in the past for you to embark on economic enterprises that will augment your finances, to lessen if not remove your dependence on national subsidies like the internal revenue allotment.”