BAGUIO CITY—- In establishing a people-centered and service-oriented local governments, the second series of Dagyaw focused on the discussion on taking steps to achieve House Bill No. 3267 or Autonomy Bill in the region of Cordillera, organized by the Department of Interior and Local Government on October 12 at University of Baguio Gymnasium.
Various esteemed panels attended the said open government town hall meeting namely from Regional Development Council, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples CAR and Igorotak Foundation to further add insights on the concept of the Autonomy.
It was illiterate during the discussion about the participation of Cordilleran for the betterment of the campaign, mentioning it was rejected twice since studies showed that the majority of the population were fairly knowledgeable about the subject. Citizen participation is crucial for their concerns to be heard, where the word Dagyaw stands for the right of people to participate.
Regional Development Council- CAR Gerald Duagan gave emphasis on the reasons for having the Autonomy as to enjoy the rich natural resources of the region and be independent on how to utilize them. He delved into his presentation on the idea of having self-determination.
“Tayo here in the region, reflecting to our historical experience, reflecting on what we experience on the ground, we have the ability to determine paano paunlarin ang ating komunidad ng ating rehiyon without totally relying on the standards set forth by the central government that is quite distant, not readily observing ano yung condition on the ground,” Duagan said.
Additionally, he also sought to give Cordilleran enough power in the region and used it for their own development.
Duagan also highlighted the impact of Autonomy in the education sector with educational policies in skills training, research and scholarship. By devolving the powers and functions, it will present a setting for preservation and development of cultural heritage, personal, family, indigenous and property relations and matters for promotion of general welfare of inhabitants.
He also gave emphasis that one may stay for a year in CAR to be considered as a Cordilleran citizen. This is to illustrate that the name is inclusive for all.
Moreover, Atty. Arthur Herman of National Commission on Indigenous People exclaimed on the historical facts in the cordillera that made them demand for a bill for Autonomy in which he highlighted some colonization and government orders.
Atty. Herman gave a clear definition of what indigenous peoples whose population were not Hispanize. Religion was clearly not the forefront for the desire of colonization but for the golds of Cordillera.
He also presented why Cordilleran was never colonized by the Spaniards, giving the exclamation that the Cordillerans fought for their land. The problem now was between the unconquered minority and conquered majority. The American regime brought more mining companies to the region, which were not acceptable to the framework of the conquered minority. He also added the issue on Chico Dam during the Marcos regime in 1982 that triggered a widespread protest.
“In summary, it’s our being a member of a district group of people which are called indigenous people that we are giving this right to self-determination, that we are giving this right to self-governance,” Herman stated.
To give emphasis on the identity and actions, Ronalyn Butin of Igorotak Foundation gave highlights on the organization and collaboration to establish self-determination. Bituin encouraged the youth to participate in learning indigenous values and knowledge.
The campaign discussion was along with the commemoration of Presidential Proclamation No. 63 signed on October 2, 1992 or Local Government Month. By Adrian Mas