Autonomy pushed in Apayao

By Zhaira Kate L. Chinayo

LUNA, Apayao  -- The provincial government with assistance from National Economic and Development Authority-Cordillera conducted its first municipal information, education and communication (IEC) speakers’ training here at the provincial capitol for provincial and municipal officials of Conner, Flora, Kabugao, Luna, and Pudtol on March 7 to push Cordillera autonomy.

The training phase of the grassroots IEC project aims to equip participants with skills and knowledge to become more effective IEC speakers in their respective municipalities and at barangays.

It also intends to strengthen partnerships with different LGUs in hastening the spread of information on autonomy in the province.

Participants said they were able to clear misconceptions, gain knowledge and refresh their memory on the Cordillera’s struggle for autonomy and its relevance.

They also appreciated the RDC-CAR’s push for autonomy towards federalism.

 Jayheart Tumbaga of the municipality of Luna said, “I had the impression that autonomy cannot coexist with federalism because I was not aware. But today, I realized that autonomy is the best path to take towards federalism”.

Attendees actively participated and showed strong interest on the topics discussed by autonomy IEC speakers Laurence Bayongan and Geronimo Donaal.

Bayongan said the Apayao group is one of the best groups he had the opportunity to train.

Similar trainings were also conducted in Abra, Benguet, Baguio City, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mountain Province for dissemination in the grassroots level.

The NEDA-CAR will continue to update IEC speakers with anticipated changes in the draft autonomy bill.

In the 1998 autonomy plebiscite, Apayao was the only province in CAR who voted “Yes”.

The RDC-CAR hopes to gain new partners in the province as it continues to increase awareness of Cordillera stakeholders on regional autonomy.