Regional Director Susan A. Sumbeling of the Cordillera National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA-CAR) led the agency’s participation in the kick-off ceremony of the 36th Cordillera Month held at the University of Baguio, Baguio City on July 1.
More than 300 participants from government agencies, local government units, academe, civil society organizations, and the private sector, attended the program.
The pursuit for regional autonomy continues as the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) celebrates its 36th Founding Anniversary this July with the theme “Celebrating One, Resilient, Diverse, and Inclusive (CORDI) Journey Toward Regional Autonomy”. The Cordillera Month is an annual observance conceptualized by the Cordillera Regional Development Council (RDC-CAR) to increase awareness on the autonomy advocacy and generate support from all stakeholders for the passage of an Organic Act for an autonomous Cordillera.
Along with the members of the Regional Development Council, elders, and the private sector, the kick-off program commenced with the opening ritual by Ibaloi elders held at the Ibaloi Heritage Park. The elders offered a pair of chicken and a pig to pray for the success of the Cordillera Month.
The Cordillera Regional Development Council Chairperson and Apayao Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr., in his message delivered by RDC-CAR Co-Chairperson Edna C. Tabanda, emphasized that the commemoration of the Cordillera Month marks the concerted efforts of its regional stakeholders toward the ultimate aspiration of the region to become autonomous.
The elders and members of the youth sector also delivered their solidarity messages in the pursuit of regional autonomy.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong underscored how the collective pursuit of regional autonomy serves as a powerful affirmation of the Cordilleran identity and is integral in realizing regional development and good governance.
Similarly, University of Baguio President Javier Herminio D. Bautista, in his message delivered by Dr. Donnavila Marie Panday, encouraged everyone to reflect on the Cordillera journey and to thrive for regional autonomy where aspirations and dreams of the people are given the platform it deserves.
Dir. Atanacio D. Addog of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP-CAR) unveiled the programs to look forward to following the kick-off and invited everyone to actively participate. Co-Chairperson Tabanda, along with Director Sumbeling, led the symbolic beating of the unity gong that officially signaled the opening of the month-long celebration. The Kick-Off Ceremony is capped off by a community dance led by IPs Youth Group Ayyoweng di Gangsa.
The RDC-CAR Committee on Indigenous Peoples Concerns, chaired by Mountain Province Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan, the Province of Apayao headed by Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr., and NCIP-CAR serve as the hosts for the 36th Cordillera Month celebration. By Legriv Vilee I. Marquez
