Cordi national officials push regional autonomy

By Marlo T. Lubguban

BAGUIO CITY – Cordillerans holding national positions said  Cordillera autonomy is achievable during the current administration.

They bared this during the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) celebrations here Oct. 29 at the PFVR gymnasium, Undersecretary Marco Bautista and Assistant Secretary Orville Ballitoc of the Dept. of Tourism (DOT) and the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) said for Cordillera Region, the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) is a stepping stone for Cordilleran IPs’ rights and representation and regional autonomy is the ultimate goal.

Organized by National Commission on Indigenous Peoples-Cordillera, the 21st IPRA month celebration was held themed: “Empowering Cordillera towards comfortable life.” 

Other Cordillerans holding national positions who joined were Undersecretary Bautista and Assistant Secretary Ballitoc, retired  Brig. Gen. Ramon Yogyog of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Indigenous Peoples’ Concerns and lawyer Modesta Chungalao who was deputy spokesperson for the President under former spokesperson Harry Roque.

Bautista said empowerment for Cordilleran IPs must continue. He said that the celebration was “the day to renew our resolve and commitment as ‘One Cordillera’ and that we need to work for the passing of the Cordillera Organic act; which has yet to be achieved”. “We have to keep the fire burning.” he added.

Ballitoc said the PLLO is working to heighten Cordillera autonomy advocacy in both Houses of Congress.

Ballitoc  added efforts of the RDC through NEDA-CAR in spearheading renewed pursuit for regional autonomy are focused on achieving sustainable development for the Cordillera.

Autonomy is the central theme of Cordillera development by the RDC since 2006.

The renewed pursuit for autonomy is focused on informing Cordillerans of its benefits.

This is to address the failures of the past two plebiscites that were marred by disinformation and lack of awareness among voters.

NEDA, as the secretariat of the RDC has led the pursuit of Cordillera autonomy through its social preparation of CAR into an autonomous region