BAGUIO CITY – With the theme “Multiculturalism Towards Regional Autonomy and Development,” political leaders from the region gathered at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center in Baguio City on July 31, 2024, to mark the culmination of the 37th Cordillera Founding Anniversary.
The sectoral chairpersons comprised the provincial governors in the region, along with the Baguio City Mayor and the Lapaz, Abra Mayor, representing Abra Governor Dominic Valera, delivered their State of the Region Address (SORA). They highlighted the different sectoral developments and emphasized the region’s unified voices and the “urgent” need to achieve regional autonomy.
Regional Development Council (RDC) Chairperson, Apayao Governor Elias Bulut Jr., headed the SORA, urging everyone to renew their commitment and strengthen their resolve toward achieving regional autonomy for regional development.
The RDC Chairperson emphasized the implementation of the Development Plan 2023 to 2028, in which he said every policy and resolution endorsed by the council in each sectoral committee reflects their “unwavering determination and deliberate efforts to ensure that everyone in the region benefits from the development gains.”
He then lauded the region’s sectoral performances and the efforts and leadership of the various chairpersons. “We acknowledged the contribution of each sector in ensuring that all the development remains within reach, leaving no one behind,” he said.
“Our collective efforts have built good results,” Bulut said, on their performances, mentioning that the economic growth has exceeded the regional target of 5% to 6% for 2023, reaching 6.9%. This, he said, positions the Cordillera as the 4th fastest growing regional economy in the country in 2023.
“This growth is a powerful tool in our fight against poverty,” he added.
During the SORA, the RDC Sectoral Committee Chairpersons presented their reports. La Paz, Abra Mayor Joseph Sto. Niño Bernos reported on social development, Kalinga Governor James Edduba on economic development, Mayor Benjamin Magalong on development administration and good governance, Ifugao Governor Jerry Dalipog on infrastructure, water, and energy development, Benguet Governor Melchor Diclas on watershed and environmental management, and Mountain Province Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan Jr. on culture and indigenous peoples.
Additionally, Abra province turned over the gong of responsibility of hosting the 2025 Cordillera Month Celebration to Baguio City.
Meanwhile, following the formal program, the RDC presented a multicultural variety show that included, among other performances from various provinces, the ‘Surwe-ey’, ‘Pasuk-ey’ from Mt. Province, and Kalinga’s Naneng Dance Troupe’s ‘Tadtadok di Ykalinga’ (Tadok, Sakpaya, Segseg, Chalichog, and Tupayya).
The culminating activity was also attended by the region’s several national line agencies, as well as performers from various local government entities, organizations, and private sector groups. By Rio Bassong
