BAGUIO CITY (PIA) -- The Regional Development Council - Cordillera (RDC-CAR) together with the local government units will reaffirm support to Cordillera autonomy in  36th Cordillera Month  celebration  in July 2023.

Hosted by the province of Apayao and RDC-CAR’s  Committee on Indigenous People's Concern,  this year's  celebration carries the theme, "Celebrating One, Resilient, Diverse and Inclusive (CORDI) Journey Toward Regional Autonomy."

Cordillera Month Technical Working Group Chairperson and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples-CAR Regional Director Atanacio Addog, during the recent  Regional Social Development Committee 2nd Quarter Meeting  said that 36 trees will be planted as a symbolic commemoration of the 36th anniversary of the Cordillera Administrative Region, and as a reaffirmation of support to the Cordillera autonomy during the kick-off activity in Baguio City on July 1.

On July 3-13 is the conduct of the provincial and city gong relay adapting the practice that Mountain Province started during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Instead of the traditional na inter-province, the provinces or the city will be having their own gong relay," Addog  said.

On July 14 is the Search for Mr. and Ms. Cordillera Autonomy Youth Ambassadors to be held in Luna, Apayao.

The Cordillera Day celebration on July 15  will also be in Luna  with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. as the invited  guest of honor and speaker.

The celebration  aims to strengthen the call for regional autonomy, to instill and heighten awareness inculcating deeper appreciation and inspire participation towards the pursuit of regional autonomy,  and to enjoin national, regional and local  leaders and personalities to support the call for autonomy, Addog said.

The celebration will culminate on July 31 through a program in Baguio City.  Highlight would  be the State of the Regional Address to be delivered  by RDC Chairperson, Apayao Governor Elias Bulut, Jr. (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR)