BANGUED, Abra (PIA) – The Cordillerans assert the promise of regional autonomy during the 37th Cordillera Day celebration in Bangued, Abra on July 15.
Leaders, elders, and stakeholders from the six provinces and two cities in the region reiterated the need to fulfill the promise of an autonomous region in the Cordillera as stipulated in Article X of the 1987 Constitution.
Executive Order 220 signed on July 15, 1987 created the Cordillera Administrative Region in preparation for an autonomous region through an organic act.
Apayao Governor and Regional Development Council Chairperson Elias Bulut Jr. stressed that the annual Cordillera Day is not only a celebration, but a reminder to realize a long overdue promise of self-determination.
“The Cordillera has much to offer. When given equitable resources and allowed self-governance, our region has even more to give. Our nation stands to be benefitted once the region unlocks its full potential to contribute significantly to economic growth,” he emphasized.
Bulut also highlighted the immediate need to attain regional autonomy to protect the Cordillera’s rich biodiversity and resources.
“This first week of July, our province of Apayao was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the last forest frontier of the region. This makes our call for regional autonomy more urgent than ever as we face new, emerging multi-hazards and intensified disaster risks,” he shared.
The different provinces and cities of the region represented by Abra Gov. Dominic Valera, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Benguet Gov. Melchor Diclas, Ifugao Gov. Jerry Dalipog, Kalinga Gov. James Edduba, and Mountain Province Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan Jr. also expressed their unity towards Cordillera autonomy to protect and promote the region’s cultural heritage, natural resources, and identity for the future generation.
The 37th Cordillera Day with the theme “Muliculturalism Towards Regional Autonomy and Development” was also joined by the newly crowned Miss International Myrna Esguerra who traces her roots in the province of Abra. (JJPM-PIA CAR, Abra)
