LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) of Regional Office Cordillera initiated the Cordillera Regional Autonomy Summit Youth and Fora. The event aimed to foster support for the advocacy of transforming the Cordillera Administrative Region into an autonomous region. The theme, “Garnering People Support for Regional Autonomy Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable Regional Development,” underscored the importance of regional autonomy for the area’s growth.
Stakeholders, along with students from Benguet, converged to engage in meaningful discussions about the potential transformation of their region.
Felipe S. Comila, PhD, president of Benguet State University, set the tone by emphasizing the significance of autonomy. He encouraged participants to view it as a positive step towards independence, “ Let’s practice this Autonomy, maganda naman; it’s a good practice; it’s just like you get away from your mother’s womb being independent, now you are independent to make a decision that is a challenge I’d like to leave. There’s a beautiful tomorrow about it, and It will give us a direction in the Cordillera.”
Yuri Weygan delivered the opening message on behalf of Hon. Elias C. Balut Jr., welcoming participants and highlighting the Cordillera region’s cultural richness and resilient communities. Governor Balut reiterated the transformative power of autonomy in unlocking the region’s potential for the benefit of its people, emphasizing that it goes beyond mere political ambition.
“Our region stands as not only a repository of cultural richness but also a proof of resilient communities,” he said.
Governor Balut reiterated the transformative power of autonomy in unlocking the region’s potential for the benefit of its people, emphasizing that it goes beyond mere political ambition. “Regional autonomy, we believe, transcends mere political ambition; it is a vehicle to empower communities, amplify the voices of our youth, and lay the foundation for sustainable growth. “
“This summit isn’t a mere sequence of events; it is a proof of Cordillera’s inclusivity and collaborative spirit. It is where diverse perspectives converge, and the energy of our youth is harnessed to sculpt the destiny of our region. I urge each participant to actively engage, share insights, and contribute to the dialogue unfolding over the next few days. “ he added.
Mario Baucas Jr., Executive Assistant of the Benguet provincial governor, conveyed Governor Melchor Diclas’ message, urging the youth to actively engage in advocacy through educational campaigns, social media initiatives, and community discussions.
“Today, I strongly encourage you, our youth, to engage and actively participate in this particular cause. We encourage you to partake in educational campaigns, social media initiatives, and community discussions to raise awareness about the importance of regional autonomy, reach out to your fears, share the information, and inspire them to join our collective efforts.” he said.
Menzie O Kuengan delivered Director Demetrio P. Anduyan Jr.’s solidarity message, emphasizing the unity needed in advocating for Cordillera autonomy and the advancement of higher education.
According to him, he highlighted the strength derived from diverse voices, all resonating with the spirit of solidarity and a shared commitment to building a more autonomous and knowledge-driven Cordillera. “Let us stand together, bringing the past, present, and future, as we advocate for Cordillera autonomy and the advancement of higher education. Our collective strength lies in the diversity of voices, each resonating with the spirit of solidarity and a shared commitment to building a brighter, more autonomous, and knowledge-driven Cordillera.”
Victor Eugene S. Caccam presented the Cordillera Regional Development Plan for 2023-2028. It contains localized development strategies to address the region’s unique development concerns and challenges towards achieving the region’s vision.
The summit concluded with officials signing a Manifesto of Support, symbolizing their commitment to the cause. The event ended with the ceremonial Beating of the Gong, signifying a collective call to action and the beginning of a new chapter in the Cordillera region’s pursuit of autonomy. The summit demonstrated not only inclusivity and collaboration but also the region’s determination to shape its destiny through the active involvement of its youth and stakeholders. By Jackielyn Reyes