Since the draft constitution for a federal system of government will be submitted to the president in a few days, we just might have missed the Cordillera’s chance to become an autonomous region. No more subsidy for us to catch up with the rest of the country in terms of development. If you don’t appreciate how backward this region still is, take the recent report of the Department of Health-CAR that about 70% of the populace lack sanitary toilets or water sealed toilet bowls. If that is not extreme underdevelopment, we would not know what is.
Nevertheless, there just might be a provision in the draft constitution for the well developed regions to help the poorer ones. If that is the case, then the concept of social justice or equitable distribution of wealth would be properly taken care of.
Though what we are saying are just suppositions until the approved version is presented to the people, we are hearing some good comments and alleged parts of the draft. These are to the effect that the Cordillera will be a federal state and also the Bangsamoro areas. If that is the case, then we will not be lumped with other regions which will perpetuate the fact that we are still a minority. Well and good.
Being a minority means being disadvantaged. That is where we are now. At least, in a federal state we will be calling the shots of governance and management of our resources. There are of course risks or possible pitfalls but these should be worth taking rather than remaining in our disadvantaged position now.
No guts, no glory.**