#BeInformed #BeEngaged
200 ASCians participate in Cordillera Autonomy Summit and Youth Fora
At least 200 students of Apayao State College participated in the meaningful dialogue and knowledge sharing of the Cordillera Autonomy Summit and Youth Fora on February 6, 2024, held at EKB Auditorium, RDE Building in ASC Luna Campus.
The theme, “Garnering Peoples Support for Regional Autonomy towards Inclusive and Sustainable Regional Development”, was an Information, Education, and Communication Campaign (IEC) towards pushing the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) into becoming an autonomous region.
The momentous event was made possible through the collaboration and presence of distinguished officials from the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Social Preparation of CAR into an Autonomous Region (SP-CAR), Regional Development Council (RDC), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Provincial Government of Apayao, and Apayao State College. The student participants were officers of Supreme Student Councils and departmental organizations from Luna and Conner Campuses together with college and campus officials, who graced the event.
MESSAGES OF SUPPORT FOR REGIONAL AUTONOMY
“We should recognize the indispensable role of the Cordilleran youth–kayo po ‘yan. You are the driving force behind the autonomy movement as you hold the key to unlocking the full potential of the region,” ASC President John N. Cabansag said in his welcome remarks addressing the students.
Distinguished leaders of Apayao Province led by Cong. Eleanor Bulut-Begtang and Gov. Elias C. Bulut, Jr., were ably represented by Vice-Governor Remy N. Albano. As the RDC Chairman, the Governor conveyed his opening message and urged the Iyapayaos and the people of the Cordillera to unite and translate their support for Regional Autonomy into concrete action.
“Attend community forum, participate in meaningful discussion, elevate awareness, communicate with your elected representatives, and articulate your perspectives.”
Mayor Hector Reuel Pascua of the Municipality of Pudtol shared his insights on Article X, Section 15 of the 1987 Constitution, governance, the preservation of Cordillera culture, customs, and traditions, and how the youth can bring about change.
“Kayong mga kabataan ay binibigyan ng role in nation-building, nararapat lamang na kayo ay makialam, maging mapanuri, at maging bukas ang puso at isipan”, Pascua said.
Moreover, Flora Mayor Rodolfo Juan expressed his constituents’ support for the autonomy proposal after having convened all sectors in his municipality to better understand the benefits derived from being autonomous. LGU-Sta. Marcela also stated their all out support through a video message.
Meanwhile, in his solidarity message, CHED Regional Director Dr. Demetrio P. Anduyan, Jr. dished out his urgent call and encouraged students to take a stand.
“The time is now. Ang boses ng kabataan ay dapat marinig. Ang tinig ng autonomy ay dapat manaig,” Dir. Anduyan said.
A united stance declaring support was the signing of the Manifesto by all officials present including some students followed by the ceremonial beating of the gong that symbolizes a deep spiritual and cultural significance of the gathering.
NEDA SP-CAR Team Leader Yuri K. Weygan mentioned that Senate Bill 2275 (an Act Establishing the Cordillera Autonomous Region) containing 167 total sections divided into 18 articles filed by Sen. Robinhood C. Padilla in June 2023 has already been referred to the Committee on Local Government during the 19th Congress. A video message of Senator Padilla conveying his support was played on screen. Meanwhile, House Bill 3267, a counterpart of SB2275 authored by 7 Representatives of the Cordillera was filed in 2022.
CORDILLERA REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2028
The participants gained insight of the five-year Regional Development Plan presented by Ms. Belinda Lucas, Senior Economic Development Specialist. This 18-chapter plan contains assessment of major development indicators and trends in CAR. The students were asked to write on a piece of paper how they could be of help in achieving the plan.
WHAT CORDILLERA AUTONOMY IS
The potential impact on becoming autonomous was presented through the simplified presentation of IEC Speaker Mr. Jayheart Tumbaga. Among the benefits include proper governance and development of the Region through devolved powers and functions that create sources and revenues, proper management of ancestral domain and natural resources, urban and rural planning development, economic, social, and tourism development, and educational policies in skills, training, research, and scholarship. He reported that the Cordillera Region has been receiving the least share (2021-2023) in the national budget allotments compared with other regions. With autonomy set up such as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), additional benefits await Local Government Units (LGUs). Tumbaga said knowing what is in store for the LGUs shall prepare the youth on what to expect in the future, especially of those running for public office.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR THE YOUTH and the ACADEME?
Ms. Jazreal Jamila C. Enciso, 2023 Cordillera Autonomy Youth Ambassadress captured her audience with her engaging discussion on opportunities that the youth and the Academe sector will benefit from saying ‘yes’ to autonomy. She underscored some provisions of House Bill 3267 that promote youth education and civic participation such as community-responsive education, highest budget allocation for education, regional educational policies, protection and empowerment, and sports development, to name a few.
An open forum facilitated by the SP-CAR team served as a platform to shed light on students’ inquiries and points of clarification. Being the arm of the RDC-CAR, the SP-CAR reiterated its appeal to students to help in the advocacy to prepare the Region for self-governance and sustainable development.
In closing, ASC College Registrar Mr. Philip L. Mandac thanked the attendees and organizers on behalf of ASC with the concluding statement for students to actively take part and harness their potential and collective wisdom gained from the summit.
“One Cordillera, Yes to Autonomy!”
