Binay to close Cordillera month celebration

DESPITE the absence of national officials during the Cordillera Day celebration last July 16, local officials believe their hopes of achieving autonomy will be heard by the National Government.

This, after Vice President Jejomar Binay said he will attend the closing program of Cordillera Day on July 31 at the Baguio Convention Center.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan said he welcomes the arrival and support of the Vice President to the Cordillerans as he will be made aware of concerns of the region.

Domogan said the symbolic unity gong, which is in the possession of Baguio City, will also be formally turned over to the Regional Development Council (RDC) after being passed around from one Cordillera province to another this month.

The mayor, despite the regional autonomy not being discussed in the recent State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Benigno Aquino III, believes the President remains supportive of the activities of the region.

RDC co-chair Dr. Virgilio Bautista said the Sona is very comprehensive as it projects the future of the country.

He said among the most valuable promises made by President Aquino in his Sona is the paving of all national roads by the end of his term. Some 46 percent of national roads remain unpaved.

Bautista will also give the annual State of the Region Address reporting on the development gains in the region since its creation in 1987, as well as the challenges that need to be overcome by the people to attain progress.

Several activities were spearheaded this month by the RDC to celebrate the creation of the Cordillera Administrative Region. These activities include trade fairs, cultural presentations, fashion shows, stage plays and academic competitions and forums on autonomy.