Cordillerans express unity in the pursuit of regional development and autonomy

By Carlito C. Dar

Monday 16th of July 2012

BAGUIO CITY, July 16 (PIA) - - Unity, amidst cultural diversity. This was shown by the officials and people from the different provinces of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) here yesterday during the region’s 25th Foundation Anniversary with the theme, “Looking Back with Pride, Moving Forward with Hope.”

Even without a key personality from the national government, officials and delegates of the six provinces and two cities of Cordillera as well as line agencies, private groups, and schools proudly celebrated the occasion starting with a ritual, a parade and program at the Baguio Convention Center.

Leading the celebration were Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan, Tabuk City Mayor Ferdinand Tubban, Apayao Governor Elias Bulut Jr, Apayao Congresswoman Eleanor Bulut-Begtang, Benguet Governor Nestor Fongwan, Ifugao Governor Eugene Balitang, Kalinga acting Governor Allen Jesse Mangaoang, and Mountain Province Governor Mayaen. They were also joined by the regional heads and officials of the various government line agencies.

In their messages, each of the local chief executives present as well as the representative of those who failed to come, expressed their support for the region’s push for regional development through the pursuit of regional autonomy. To further show their support to Cordillera’s quest for development and autonomy, they signed a manifesto.

A highlight of the program was the beating of the unity gong by the the officials. The unity gong in what was dubbed the Cordillera Unit Relay, traveled to each of the provinces since its kickoff on May 28 at the historical Mt. Data in Bauko, Mountain Province where then President Corazon Aquino and Cordillera People's Liberation Army entered a "sipat (peace pact)" that eventually led to the creation of the Cordillera Administrative Region 25 years ago.

From there, local chief executives along with their delegates and member agencies of the Regional Development Council passed on the unity gong to Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Apayao, and finally Baguio City for the regional celebration of CAR’s 25th year. In each leg of the unity relay, native rituals and cultural presentations were offered as a sign of acceptance.

Apayao Governor Bulut, in a statement during the turn-over ceremony of the Cordillera unity gong at the Baguio City Hall, Saturday, said that he, along with the around 180 delegates from their province, came to the City of Pines not only to deliver the symbolic gong and to attend the commemorative program, but more importantly to express their support for the region’s pursuit of regional autonomy.

CAR composed of the provinces of Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Apayao, and Mountain Province and the City of Baguio, was created on July 15, 1987 though Executive Order 220 issued by then President Cory in preparation for an autonomous region in the Cordillera as provided for under the Constitution.(JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)