LA TRINIDAD, Benguet(PIA) -- More than 300 student leaders of the Benguet State University (BSU), Benguet officials and  autonomy advocates  participated in the  Cordillera Autonomy Summit and Youth Fora spearheaded by the Regional Development Council – Cordillera  its  Social Preparation of the Cordillera Administrative Region into an Autonomous Region (SPCAR) program.

With the theme,  " Garnering People Support for Regional Autonomy towards Inclusive and Sustainable Regional Development," the summit  held at the BSU on Feb. 16, was part of the information, education, and communication campaign towards pushing the Cordillera Administrative Region into becoming an autonomous region.

The summit is being conducted in the different colleges and universities in the Cordillera region to educate the students and the other stakeholders on the correct information on Cordillera autonomy, and to gather support for its passage as a law, and eventually voting in a plebiscite creating the autonomous region of the Cordillera.

BSU president Felipe Comila encouraged  especially the students to understand the Cordillera autonomy and its advantages and challenges. 

Victor Caccam of NEDA-CAR discussed the Regional Development Plan,  and  the role of youth attaining the long-term vision of Ambisyon Natin 2040;  Francis Likigan  presented the Cordillera Autonomy Module, and 2023 Cordillera Autonomy Youth  Ambassador Jan Marveeno Palispis from Baguio City  talked on the regional autonomy and the what’s in it for the youth.

RDC chairperson, Apayao  Governor Elisa Bulut Jr., in his message  read by Yuri Weygan,  said  the region stands as not only as a repository of cultural richness but also a proof of resilient communities. He stressed  the significance of autonomy in unlocking the region's potential for the betterment of its people. He said that regional autonomy is a vehicle to empower communities, amplify the voices of the youth, and lay the foundation for sustainable growth.

 “May we take time to reflect, appreciate, and unite as we honor our rich heritage, embrace our collective resilience, and reaffirm our steadfast commitment to achieve regional autonomy. We are here to recommit our determined spirit as one people and our collective efforts towards a future that is defined by self-determination and progress. It is indeed important that we fully recognize the significance of our actions,  and the path we are paving for the generations to come,” Bulut stated.

 He urged  participants  to actively engage, share insights, and contribute to the dialogue unfolding in the region where ideas are exchanged, partnerships forged, and strategies formulated, shaping the trajectory of the region's future.

Governor Melchor Diclas represented by Executive Assistant Mario Baucas Jr., called on his fellow i-Benguets to recommit and strive together in unity for regional autonomy,  and  in preserving the cultural heritage, and protecting ancestral lands to ensure a progressive and sustainable future for every Cordilleran.

 He also encouraged the youth to partake in educational campaigns, social media initiatives, and community discussions to raise awareness about regional autonomy. He called on  them to help in bringing the right information on regional autonomy to their fellow youths and other audiences,  and eventually gather support and advocacies.

“I am strongly encouraging you, our youth, to engage and actively participate in this particular cause. We encourage you to partake in educational campaigns, social media initiatives, and community discussions to raise awareness about the importance of regional autonomy. Reach out to your peers, share information, and inspire them to join our collective efforts. This is the right time that you embrace your role as the nation-builders of tomorrow by actively supporting and championing regional autonomy,” Diclas said.

 Senator Robin Padilla,  in a video message, assured  his full support to the pursuit for Cordillera regional autonomy.  He  has filed Senate Bill 2275, the counterpart bill in Senate for the creation of the Cordillera Autonomous Region, which is now under review by the Committee on Local Government.

 Solidarity messages were given by Menzi Cuengan of CHED-CAR, La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda, Kibungan Mayor Cesar Molitas, Itogon Mayor Bernard Waclin and Mankayan Mayor Dario Banario.

Also present were Kibungan Vice Mayor Edwin Nitron, Satur Pasiteng from the Mankayan LGU.

The summit was capped with  the signing of a  manifesto of support for Cordillera autonomy,  the beating of the unity gong, and  community dance. (JDP/RMC-PIA-CAR with SLU Interns)