BAGUIO CITY – The Cordillera Regional Development Council (RDC-CAR) underscored that ensuring the respect, recognition and value of Cordillera cultures are key outcomes of the regional development plan 2023-2028.
Edna C. Tabanda, RDC-CAR co-chairperson who reported on the accomplishment of the culture and indigenous peoples’ concern sector, said that in 2023, the region sustained the graduation of 198 learners from School of Living Tradition programs aside from the establishment of five art establishments offering specialized arts programs which emphasized the RDC-CAR’s commitment in fostering indigenous creativity.
Further, the RDC-CAR documented six indigenous knowledge systems and practices, surpassing the annual target of four of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
She claimed that the said achievement underscores the RDC-CAR’s dedication to preserving the rich tapestry of indigenous wisdom that shapes community life in the Cordillera.
Last year, six ancestral domain sustainable development and protection plans (ADSDPPs) were formulated to empower indigenous cultural communities in advocating for culture-sensitive governance and development decisions in safeguarding their ancestral domain rights.
Moreover, Tabanda said that implementing the ADSDPPs presents an opportunity to develop clear mechanisms and secure adequate funding from local government units and the NCIP paving the way for a more robust support and effective execution.
According to her, the free and prior informed consent certification pre-condition process also saw substantial progress with the issuance of an additional 78 certification pre-condition documents, raising the cumulative total to 753 by the year’s end.
However, she admitted that challenges arise when conditions are unmet, resulting in prolonged project screenings and uncertainties about the said processes outcomes and legitimacy but the said increase underscores the RDC-CAR’s commitment to respecting and upholding the rights of indigenous communities in decision impacting their lands and resources.
Tabanda assured that the RDC-CAR, through the Committee on Indigenous Peoples’ Concerns chaired by Mountain Province Gov. Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr., will continue to develop policies that strengthen partnerships with local government units, ensuring effective implementation of plans.
She explained that by utilizing a multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholders approach, the RDC-CAR aims to create a framework that empowers indigenous communities while driving sustainable development.
She stipulated that in the pursuit for regional autonomy, the RDC-CAR has continued with its collaborative efforts through the social preparation of CAR into an autonomous region where it was able to sustain its advocacy for self-determination by organizing 24 significant information and education campaign events across 16 municipalities, engaging 4,298 participants and raising public awareness about the quest for autonomy. The program’s social media campaign reached 1.3 million people, generated 108,000 engagements, and posted 1,200 times, significantly extending its impact.
Subsequently mock plebiscites showed strong community support with 83.18 percent voting in favor of autonomy and the program collected 31 manifestos in favor of the said initiative, reflecting widespread grassroots backing for its objectives. By Dexter A. See
