Cordi officials push regional autonomy

By Marlo Lubguban

BAGUIO CITY – Top Cordillera government officials are pursuing Cordillera autonomy after national government executives aired support to attain this and spur development in the region.

           “Covid or no covid, the quest for Cordillera autonomy continues,” said Cordillera Regional Development Council vice-chair and National Economic Development Authority regional director Milagros Rimando said during July 29 State of the Region Address.
            A media forum marked culmination of the month-long celebration of the 33rd Cordillera Administrative Region founding anniversary which became venue to unite Cordillera provinces and cities and renew clamor for establishment of the Autonomous Region of the Cordillera.

            RDC chairperson and Abra Gov. Joy Bernos said that the work shown by Cordilleran leaders and officials in handling the quarantine proved the readiness of the Cordillera for autonomy.

            Dept. of Interior and Local Government regional director Marlo Iringan added that the provincial governments of CAR and city government of Baguio all passed resolutions in support of Cordillera autonomy.
           Rimando said that while the planned activities for raising awareness and gaining support for Cordillera autonomy changed, the goal remains the same.

           She said information, education, and communication (IEC) activities were transitioning online.

IEC advocates and speakers were training for this transition and more speakers would be added to help spread awareness and gain support.
           Bernos and Rimando cited the Cordillera development vision in the regional development plan which envisions an autonomous region that pursues sustainable development wherein responsibilities and benefits are equitably shared.
During the July 15 celebration of the CAR founding anniversary, Cordillera local chief executives and congressmen declared support in pursuing autonomy for the region.

           Guest of honor, Agriculture Secretary William Dar, who started his career in Benguet, committed his office in helping the administrative region achieve its goal saying autonomy will attain full potential of the region.

           Dar was among several officials in national offices who recognized the performance of CAR in handling the pandemic and encouraged pursuit of Cordillera autonomy.