Cordillera folks beat ‘unity gongs’ for regional autonomy

CAR celebrates 36th founding anniversary 

By Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Folks and officials of all Cordillera provinces beat unity “gongs” July 15 as the region celebrated its 36th founding anniversary as Cordillera Administrative Region as they pressed for realization of Cordillera autonomy. 
    This year’s theme is, "Celebrating one, resilient, diverse, and inclusive (CORDI) journey toward regional autonomy."
    The celebration this year is hosted by the province of Apayao and the Regional Development Council’s committee for indigenous peoples Concerns (CIPC).
    The CIPC is chaired by Gov. Lacwasan of Mountain Province with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Cordillera headed by regional director lawyer Atanacio Addog.
    Here in Bontoc, mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., led officials and folks in supporting Cordillera’s pursuit of autonomy when he received the “symbolic unity gong” from  delegates of Sadanga town morning of July 10 at the municipal capitol.
    The Unity Gong Relay, a symbolic act, made its way through municipal local government units in Mountain Province.
    This aimed to promote regional autonomy and garner support from local leaders.
    Sadanga Vice Mayor Paul Farong-ey in his turnover message said Sadanga was one with Cordillera he rallied unity for regional autonomy.
    He added benefits of becoming an autonomous region have been thoroughly explained, and “once achieved, regional autonomy will be enjoyed by everyone, by this generation and the next generations to come.”
    Mayor Tudlong in his acceptance message, said conditions in the Cordillera are different from the lowlands and coasts such as topography and indigenous culture, reasons some national policies, programs, and projects are not appropriate to the Cordillera situation.
    He said resource management systems, ownership and property concepts, social and family values, and indigenous knowledge systems and practices, or IKSP remain strong in the Cordilleran communities. “Granting autonomy to the region would empower local leaders with decision-making authority that will respond to particular conditions, needs, and aspirations of the Cordillerans,” he said.
    Gary Pekas of the Provincial Government of Mountain Province who is also a member of the Speakers Bureau for Social Preparation of CAR into an Autonomous Region (SPCAR) talked about the significance of the Unity Gong Relay and answered questions from the participants during the open forum.
    Other officials present during the Unity Gong Relay program in Bontoc were Sangguniang Bayan members led by Vice Mayor Eusebio Kabluyen, delegates from provincial government of Mountain Province led by Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan, Jr., and personnel from the National Commission on Indigenous People Mountain Province headed by lawyer Wilson Kalangeg.
    Participants included employees from the Bontoc LGU national government agencies.
    The Sangguniang Kabataan Samoki Chapter headed by SK chairperson Anton Zaren Nasungan performed a cultural dance.
    Meanwhile, Mayor Tudlong who led turnover of the 'unity gong' to the municipality of Besao led by Mayor Bryne Bacwaden July 10,  expressed hope the 'unity gong relay' will not merely be a ceremonial activity.
    “Rather, it will bring a strong message to every Cordilleran to rally and give their support for the realization of an autonomous region,” he said. "For the past years, we have witnessed how our leaders and other partner stakeholders gave their effort, commitment, and perseverance in rallying support in pursuit of regional autonomy. Yet, it is disheartening to know that some of those who have been passionately campaigning for the long and overdue aspiration to become an Autonomous Region have gone to great beyond and still did not witness it become a reality. They did their part. Now is our turn to do ours," Tudlong said.
    In his appearances before the crowd in the 'unity gong relay' in Bontoc and Besao, he appealed to the participants to relay the messages on autonomy to their families and respective communities.
    The inter-municipality turnover of the 'symbolic unity gong' was part of activities in celebration of the 36th Cordillera Month celebration.
    In Tabuk City, the “Unity Gong Relay” was launched here earlier o signify thrusts to attain Cordillera autonomy even as history of the movement was recalled.  
    Tabuk Mayor Darwin Estrañero, in his message during launching in the province, said development in Cordillera was not possible without peace and stability.