AUTONOMY for years has been the aim of the Regional Development Council (RDC) of Cordillera.
Despite many setbacks, the RDC is still optimistic with its goal of development for the region.
In celebrating the Cordillera month, the RDC has lined-up activities aiming at helping this multi-ethnic region achieve genuine development.
RDC acting chairperson Juan Ngalob says the month-long celebration is just a small step to the monthly activities of the council eyeing for improvements in the living of Cordillerans since its formation 23 years ago.
On July 15, 1987, the late President Corazon Aquino signed Executive Order 220, officially creating the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), which mandates a plebiscite for the creation of an autonomous region.
After two unsuccessful plebiscites, Ngalob says the region is still bent on autonomy despite massive education campaigns on the importance of having independence from the National Government in the implementation of development programs.
With another set of activities, some of which have already been done yearly, this year’s organizers led by Department of Health-CAR Assistant Regional Director Amelita Pangilinan have invited President Benigno Aquino III.
They are hopeful, that like his mother, Aquino will push for autonomy in this region.
Regional radio quiz on autonomy, trade fairs of products from the regions provinces alongside exhibits that showcase the region’s culture and history are just among the activities slated for this month.
With the theme “CAR at 23: Celebrating the Richness of the Cordillera Heritage as we move towards Autonomy and Development”, a debate to be participated by Cordillera schools is also slated this July 9 at Easter College.
The debating teams are from University of the Cordilleras, University of Baguio, Saint Louis University and the University of the Philippines-Baguio.
On July 15, a grand parade and program is up where newly-elected government officials representing the six provinces and two cities of the region were invited. Finalists from the region in the Pilipinas Got Talent search are also expected to grace the event.
On July 30, a closing program with a discussion on the current situation of the RDC’s thrusts and journey towards autonomy will be discussed in the State of the Radio Address. (JM Agreda)