BAGUIO CITY(PIA) — The Office of Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity/( OPAPRU) assured continued support to the Cordillera as the people pursue peace, autonomy, and sustainable development.
“Cordillera will not be left behind,” Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. said during the 3rd Quarter full council meeting of the Regional Development Council chaired by Apayao Governor Elias Bulut Jr.
“Ang Cordillera ay tutulungan natin to change its atmosphere to be conducive for peace, reconciliation and unity notwithstanding its call for self-determination and its aspiration for autonomy,” Galvez said.
To support the socio-economic and development programs in CAR, the OPAPRU has allotted almost P600 million this year, and around P594 million in 2025.
The OPAPRU has already carried out many projects under its PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) and other programs that help transform the lives of former rebels, their families, and communities mostly in geographically isolated, disadvantaged or conflict-affected areas.
Along with the Cordillera leaders, Galvez committed to fully support autonomy for the Cordillera. He said will recommend the creation of an “Inter-cabinet Cluster for the Transformation of the Cordillera,” similar to what done in Bangsamoro, to ensure the successful implementation of peace and development initiatives in region.
During the meeting, regional directors and representatives of the different national line agencies in the Cordillera also gave updates on their projects and programs.
Also present was Presidential Assistant for the Cordillera Administrative Region Assistant Secretary Antonio Tabora Jr.
Galvez enjoined the national government agencies, the local government units, the civil society and all stakeholders to harmonize all efforts for the realization of the aspirations of the Cordilleras. (JDP/RMC-PIA CAR)
