An alliance composed of autonomy advocates was recently formalized to facilitate next actions in the 3-year action plan that will advance the region’s quest for autonomy.
The Cordillera Alliance for Autonomy, Peace and Development, Inc. (CAAPD) composed of autonomy advocates from a cross section of the region is a non-stock, non-profit corporation that will help in enhancing the region’s efforts towards the attainment of the establishment of the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR).
Among the objectives of the 3-year advocacy action plan include to capacitate the civil society organizations (CSOs) and other autonomy advocates in the Cordillera as they explore stronger links and partnerships with other CSOs and with the government in promoting autonomy and good governance in the region; organize CSOs and other partners for coordinated advocacy and support for the immediate passage of the Cordillera Organic Act towards autonomy and development; undertake capability-building activities; support the alliance building and advocacy for the current Regional Development Council (RDC) program for regional autonomy, especially for the immediate enactment of the proposed autonomy law and after the approval of the Organic Act, participate in information education campaign to prepare for the plebiscite in coordination with the RDC and other concerned stakeholders.agriculture
The CAAPD’s primary purpose is to unite and share resources in the promotion of autonomy towards peace building and sustainable development of the Cordillera and the country as a whole.
The said alliance will engage with non-government and government stakeholders to advocate for responsive policies and laws; partner and collaborate with other non-profit organizations, government agencies, local governments, academic institutions and private sector in developing relevant programs, projects and activities; strengthen the capacity of local organizations and leaders through trainings, resources and networking opportunities that enhance their participation in peace and development programs; raise awareness and engage members to foster a sense of shared responsibility and support to the alliance while promoting transparency and accountability and monitor and evaluate the progress of the alliance initiatives and ensure continuous improvement of its programs and projects.
CAAPD members shall be individuals and institutions that are committed to the alliance’s objectives and advocacies with strong links to the region and provinces, have expertise complimenting other non-government organizations and government agency members, business people, representatives from the academe, representatives from ethnic groups and agency and local government personnel and officials.
Earlier, the Cotabato-based Institute of Autonomy and Governance (IAG) organized a series of roundtable discussions where the first activity in 2022 recognized the need for the CSOs to be more proactive in lobbying with national officials for Cordillera autonomy. The second roundtable discussion in February 2023 discussed the fact that CSOs should be more involved in the advocacy for regional autonomy.