TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines, Inc., in collaboration with 2022 Cordillera Youth Autonomy Ambassador, with the valuable support of the Cordillera Regional Council-Social Preparation Committee, conducted ”Self-Determination Awareness – Raising: Seminar-Workshop on Cordillera Autonomy” at the Tabuk City Hall Conference Room from August 31 – September 1, 2023. The seminar-workshop was joined by at least seventy student leaders and journalists from various schools in the city.
City Information Officer Aurora Amilig, representing Mayor Darwin Estrañero, provided the historical context on Cordillera autonomy, tracing its origins back to a peace agreement or “sipat” between then-leader of the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) Father Conrado Balweg and President Corazon Aquino in 1986 at Mt. Data, Bauko, Mountain Province, which paved the way for the creation of the Cordillera Administrative Region and the ongoing pursuit of Cordillera autonomy.
She emphasized the positive impact of autonomy, including the preservation of the region’s rich cultural heritage and resources. Her hope was that by educating and raising awareness among the youth regarding the autonomy movement, they would be empowered to actively shape the region’s future.
Jonathan Belandres of Kalinga State University gave a lecture on leadership skills and led a workshop where participants developed their strategic action plans for Information, Education, And Communication (IEC) campaigns on Cordillera autonomy.
Atty. Errol Comafay delved into the concept of autonomy and how it differs from an administrative government, emphasizing that autonomy involves the devolution of certain national government powers to a regional government. These powers encompass the ability to establish revenue sources, pass ordinances, impose taxes, and manage natural resources. He stressed that many national policies are ill-suited to the region’s unique geography and culture, hindering its progress compared to other regions. Once autonomous, he said that the region could create policies tailored to its specific needs.
Apayao Public Information Officer Brent Martinez provided leadership coaching on marketing Cordillera autonomy, with a focus on digital marketing, including social media, to educate the public about the benefits of autonomy.
A mock plebiscite was conducted, with 95 percent of participants voting in favor of autonomy.
During their multimedia presentation workshop, students expressed their support for Cordillera autonomy through slogans, posters, poems, and videos. They also signed a manifesto of support to the establishment of the Cordillera Autonomous Region. By Rod Asurin
