92% Abra SK vote for Cordi autonomy in mock plebiscite

By Marlo T. Lubguban

BANGUED, Abra – Some 92 percent of Abra youth voted yes to Cordillera autonomy while two percent voted no while 6 percent were undecided in a mock plebiscite here during an autonomy forum Sangguniang Kabataan officer in all towns of this province. 

Some of the youths’ concerns and hesitation included comparisons made with Muslim Mindanao and their autonomy experience.

Others said violence in the region will be aggravated with an autonomous setup during the Abra SK Forum on Cordillera Autonomy.

The event was initiated by Abra Provincial SK Federation president Cynlai Osorio of Bangued in coordination with Regional Development Council through the National Economic and Development Authority - Cordillera.

Participants said they learned about Cordillera autonomy from two advocates of autonomy -- Philip Tinggonong of Abra, and Vladimir Cayabas of Baguio City.

Long-time autonomy advocate and Cordillera Organic Law drafting committee chairman Philip Tinggonong presented basic concepts of autonomy and relation of Cordillera’s decades-long pursuit of regional autonomy and the current administration’s push for a federal form of government.

He said what federalism provides for regions of the Philippines is similar to what is already provided in the current constitution for the Cordillera which is regional autonomy.

Cayabas cited importance of the youth as culture bearers, especially in the Cordillera.

He said through the youth, indigenous knowledge systems, and practices will be passed down and carried on to keep the culture alive.

In an autonomous setup, Cayabas said culture and identity will be enhanced through culture-based education.

Cayabas and Tinggonong said Cordillera leaders are ensuring the region will address pitfalls as they learned from the Bangsamoro and Muslim Mindanao and Cordillera experiences. 

Cynlai Osorio said Abrenian youth play a vital role in raising awareness on Cordillera autonomy in their province.

The group responded with their commitment of support in pursuing regional autonomy and spreading its awareness in Abra and beyond.

The RDC through NEDA also held a similar fora on Cordillera autonomy in Baguio City on July 27. -- NEDA-SPCAR