Ched holds ‘Cordillera gems’ exhibit during 27th founding anniversary

 By Bob Lyndon Daroya

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The Cordillera offices of the National Economic and Development Authority joined the Commission on Higher Education along with state universities and colleges, private higher education institutions and regional line agencies in the region in opening Cordillera Gems Exhibit June 7 here.
    This was part of the celebration of the 27th founding anniversary of CHED with the theme "Padyak! Moving forward, claiming victory for Philippine higher education (Pamantasan: Pandayan tungo sa kaunlaran).”
    Called the Adopt-a-wall program, CHED Cordillera partnered with HEIs to design a wall in the regional office and explain their inspiration for their creations on the wall in relation to preservation of the Cordilleran culture. 
Representatives of CAR SUCs and three major private HEIs were present: University of Baguio, University of the Cordilleras, and Saint Louis University.   
    The event was part of contributing to goals of the updated Cordillera Regional Development Plan 2017-2022 on cultural integrity, promoting Philippine and Cordillera culture and values. 
    The event aimed to promote cultural awareness and cultural sensitivity in governance and development efforts, among others.   
    Meanwhile, to enhance creative culture of the region, Dept. of Science and Technology regional director Nancy A. Bantog informed participants the regional research, development and innovation committee of the Regional Development Council, initiated preparation of the Cordillera weaving industry development plan for 2020-2028, which the RDC adapted early this year.
    The plan serves as a blueprint to strengthen the weaving industry through collaborative efforts among public and private sectors.
    This includes supporting Baguio City as a creative city, the only local government unit in Cordillera the UNESCO recognized.  
    According to her, the RDC through the NEDA secretariat found the CWIDP relevant and collaborative with government efforts to better capacitate weavers in production, technology, innovation, and market linkages. 
    It is also expected to promote environmentally quality and sustainable use of its resources; increase resiliency of individuals and communities; and, preserve the unique culture and heritage of the region’s indigenous peoples and indigenous cultural communities.   
    The CHED Cordillera chairs the subcommittee on education and manpower development of the regional social development committee, one of six sectoral committees under the RDC.  
    Serving as secretariat of the RSDC are regional offices of the Dept. of Social Welfare and Development and NEDA.