BAGUIO CITY – Several activities were conducted by various regional line agencies in partnership with the National Economic and Development Authority Cordillera (NEDA-CAR) and the Autonomy Speakers’ Bureau, focusing on information, education and communication (IEC), to raise awareness of Cordillera autonomy throughout October.
Autonomy advocate Menzie Kuengan of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED-CAR) discussed the key features of Cordillera autonomy and its benefit to farmers during the DA Capability training of Benguet farmers. In simultaneous activities, Vladimir Cayabas of NIIT, Alma Toyoken of DSWD, and Lawrence Balud of LGU La Trinidad, gave lectures during the Makilahok Orientation under DSWD Kalahi Program. Another lecture was held under the program on October 19 with Joel Cervantes of the LGU La Trinidad.
Also on October 17, The Commission on Population gathered educators from Tabuk, Kalinga for a 3-day workshop in Baguio City which included a discussion on Cordillera autonomy. RDC Autonomy IEC speakers’ Bureau member Briccio Domondon presented the key points of Cordillera autonomy and emphasized the importance for raising awareness and gaining support for the advocacy. Domondon said, “CAR is a temporary set up that is intended to prepare the region for autonomy.”
The National Economic and Development Authority Cordillera (NEDA-CAR), the technical secretariat of the Regional Development council (RDC), leads the renewed pursuit of Cordillera autonomy since its adoption as the central theme of Cordillera development in 2006. Cordillera autonomy is viewed as the best strategy to achieve sustainable development in the region.
By Marlo T. Lubguban
