BAGUIO CITY – – The beating of the Cordillera Unity Gong that signifies the commitment and support of regional leaders to the continuing quest for regional autonomy and development highlighted once again the 35th Foundation Anniversary celebration of the Cordillera Administrative Region.
The Regional Development Council, through the Regional Social Development Committee chaired by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD – CAR) and the Provincial Government of Mountain Province, led this year’s Cordillera Month celebration with the theme, “One Autonomous Cordillera: Ensuring Social Development and Inclusive Growth in the New Normal”.
Highlighting the month long-celebration was the July 15 Cordillera Day Parade and Program at the Baguio Convention Center that was attended by the officials and delegates from the provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mountain Province and the chartered City of Baguio.
Leading the beating of the Unity Gong and the message of commitment were Governors Bonifacio Lacwasan of Mountain Province, Dominic Valera of Abra, Melchor Diclas of Benguet, and Jerry Dalipog of Ifugao; Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and Congressman Mark Go, Mountain Province Cong. Maximo Dalog Jr., and Kalinga Cong. Allen Jesse Mangaoang.
Guest of honor and speaker, DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo, in a video message, commended this year’s Cordillera Month theme as it epitomizes the current administration’s call for unity in bringing a better new normal.
Tulfo also acknowledged the Cordilleran spirit of remaining steadfast for over three decades and a half in making the aspiration for regional autonomy a reality. He also assured the DSWD’s commitment to support the region by strengthening its social welfare and development programs geared towards protecting and promoting the rights and well –being of the poor, vulnerable and marginalized.
Meantime, RDC – CAR Vice Chairperson and the National Economic Development Authority Director Susan Sumbeling assured the through the Social Preparation of CAR into Autonomous Region (SPCAR) program, the Cordillera will continue to work in order to increase awareness and generate support for the pursuit of regional autonomy – from the grassroots up to the halls of Senate and Congress.
“We will continue to echo the message of unity in today’s beating of our Regional Unity Gong as we continue to hope together, work together as One Cordillera”, Sumbeling stressed.
The Cordillera Administrative Region was created on July 15, 1987 under Executive Order No. 220 to prepare for an autonomous region in the Cordilleras as provided under the 1987 Constitution. **JDP/CCD-PIA CAR
