RDC, Congress push Cordillera autonomy

By Marlo Lubguban 

BAGUIO CITY – The Regional Development Council-Cordillera Administrative Region pushed support to House Bill 5687 establishing the Autonomous Region of the Cordillera.

This, after an eventful July celebrating the founding of the Cordillera Administrative Region,

The RDC held meetings in August among Cordillera autonomy advocates, congressmen, and partners in national offices to strategize ways to advance the legislation and prepare for the 34th anniversary of the Sipat Peace Accords of 1986.

On August 13-14, advocates gathered in Baguio City and online to push autonomy advocacy in online and limited face-to-face information, education, and communication activities.

This was the second phase of a three-part strategy to shift the IEC thrust of Cordillera autonomy advocacy in line with new normal Covid-19 guidelines on mass gathering and new communication channels.

Later, autonomy advocates also met with Benguet congressional caretaker Rep. Eric Yap and Ifugao Rep. Solomon Chungalao.

Yap recognized importance of Cordillera autonomy as a development need and a Constitutional mandate.

He committed to review the filed bill and consult the Cordillera congressmen on how he can help.

Yap earlier posted a survey on one of his Facebook pages to gauge his constituents in Benguet on their take on Cordillera autonomy which resulted in an overwhelming 90% voting in favor of an autonomous Cordillera.

In a separate meeting, Chungalao said legislation for the autonomy bill has been sidetracked because of the pandemic.

However, he said the Northern Luzon bloc of representatives was supportive of the bill and willing to sign as co-authors when the bill passes second reading.

Cordillera congressmen in December 2019 signed manifesto of support to Cordillera autonomy by regional leaders and national partners.

Cordillera congressmen were advised by House of Representatives committee on local government chairman and Tarlac 3rd District Rep. Noel Villanueva to gather resolutions from local governments to express local support for Cordillera autonomy.

All Sangguniang Panlalawigan have passed resolutions to this effect with 37 more resolutions coming from the Sangguniang Bayan level. Resolutions were also passed by various Civil Society Organizations representing different sectors of the Cordillera people.