The Regional Development Council and NEDA-CAR through Social Preparation of CAR into an Autonomous Region (SPCAR) program partnered with several media groups and organizations during the election period to discuss Cordillera autonomy. While no one doubts the constitutional basis of the pursuit for Cordillera autonomy, several candidates gave their honest take and strategy on how to approach the advocacy. The following are the statements made by some of the winning representatives:
Returning Apayao Congressman Elias Bulut, Jr., in an interview with PIA-CAR, urged to reassess the basis for the autonomy pursuit in relation to the current context of the Cordillera. He recalled the sacrifices made by so many Cordillerans such as Fr. Conrado Balweg who fought for the Cordilleran to be recognized. However, while recognition of the Cordilleran is still the primary reason for pursuing autonomy, he said it was borne out of the frustration with the national government which is not the case in the present. Bulut asserted that in the present day, what is more relevant to Cordillerans and the national government is the need for development in the region. He affirmed this should be the primary factor for pursuing Cordillera autonomy.
Maximo Dalog, Jr. of Mountain Province acknowledged the need to enhance Cordilleran identity. He emphasized the need to better educate the Cordillera people on the pros and cons of autonomy and have them decide on whether or not to have an autonomous regional government. He has no issue with the current administration’s push for a federal form of government but agrees with the RDC-CAR’s position of pursuing autonomy first towards federalism to ensure that the Cordillera as a region and people will stay intact regardless of national decisions.
Reelected Kalinga representative Allen Jesse Mangaoang said in a radio interview, “Cordillera Autonomy is our battle cry. Ta kunana ngarud ti Constitution nga “there shall be autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao and the Cordilleras”. He committed to refile the bill and assured that he is united with the other elected Cordillera representatives in pursuing Cordillera autonomy.
Additionally, a week after his win, reelected Baguio City Congressman Mark Go met with the drafting committee in charge of reviewing House Bill 5343, the proposed Cordillera Organic Act filed in the 17th Congress. He expressed his desire to be more involved in the drafting of the bill and in the conduct of subsequent consultations among Cordillerans for their comments and suggestions to the autonomy bill. By Marlo Lubguban
