Gov’t agencies push Cordillera autonomy; up info campaign

By Marlo T, Lubguban

BAGUIO CITY – Gov’t agencies have intensified campaign to push realization of Cordillera autonomy. 

Several information education campaign (IEC) activities were conducted by various regional line agencies in partnership with the National Economic and Development Authority Cordillera and autonomy IEC speakers’ bureau to raise awareness of Cordillera autonomy throughout October.

Autonomy advocate Menzie Kuengan of the Commission on Higher Education discussed key features of Cordillera autonomy and its benefit to farmers during the Dept. of Agriculture capability training of Benguet farmers.

In simultaneous activities, Vladimir Cayabas of NIIT, Alma Toyoken of Social Welfare and Development and Lawrence Balud of La Trinidad, Benguet municipal government gave lectures during the makilahok orientation under Dept. of Social Welfare and Development Kalahi Program.

Another lecture was held under the program on Oct. 19 with Joel Cervantes of La Trinidad municipal government.

Also on Oct. 17, the Commission on Population gathered educators from Tabuk, Kalinga for a 3-day workshop in Baguio City which included a discussion on Cordillera autonomy.

RDC autonomy IEC speakers’ bureau member Briccio Domondon presented key points of Cordillera autonomy and emphasized the importance for raising awareness and gaining support for the advocacy Domond on said, “CAR is a temporary set up that is intended to prepare the region for autonomy.” The NEDA-CAR, the technical secretariat of the Regional Development Council (RDC), leads the renewed pursuit of Cordillera autonomy since its adoption as the central theme of Cordillera development in 2006. Cordillera autonomy is viewed as the best strategy to achieve sustainable development in the region.