BAGUIO CITY – People of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) has once again come together to start the month long events for the 36th Cordillera Month celebration which comes with the theme, “Celebrating One, Resilient, Diverse, and Inclusive Journey Toward Regional Autonomy.”
A kick-off program was held at the Cardinals Gymnasium, University of Baguio (UB), Baguio City on July 1, 2023 and was attended by various officials and other participants from the CAR provinces.
In his opening remarks, UB President Javier Herminio D. Bautista thru his representative, UB Director for Research, Innovation, Extension, and Community Outreach Donnavila Marie B. Panday, said that the theme for this year’s Cordillera Month is appropriate as it encapsulates the square root of the people of Cordillera and what they have journeyed as one people.
On behalf of the Regional Development Council – Cordillera Administrative Region (RDC-CAR) Chairperson and Apayao Governor Elias C. Bulut, RDC-CAR Co-Chairperson Edna C. Tabanda said that the celebration of the Cordillera Month is a tradition of unity and resilience as one people which was built by the Cordilleran’s long history of protecting and sustaining their land and resources.
In addition, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong underscored that this year’s celebration aims to do more than what was being done in the previous Cordillera Month celebrations. In his message, he said that the Cordillerans will celebrate Cordillera Month not just to uphold their shared heritage, foster sustainable development, and honor the culture that binds them, but also to inspire, engage and invigorate the essence of what it means to be a Cordilleran.
“May this 36th celebration of Cordillera Month serves as a shining beacon of our shared heritage, unwavering resilience, and boundless aspirations. Today, let us step forward together, echoing the resounding spirit of Cordilleran and moving towards a future where identity and vision seamlessly intertwined,” Magalong further said.
Other highlights of the kick-off activity include the Cordillera Month opening ritual at the Ibaloi Heritage Garden, Baguio City and the traditional beating of the original unity gong by the various officials of the region.
Meanwhile, the Pre-pageant for the Search for Mr. and Ms. Cordillera Youth Ambassadors for Regional Autonomy was held at the SM Atrium in the afternoon as part of the Cordillera Month celebration. By MP Press Release
