LAGAWE, Ifugao– A former provincial government official who was one of the few Ifugao leaders known for advocacy for reforms is now in the forefront of the drive to shift into a federal form of government.
Former vice governor Nora Dinamling is the Ifugao director of the Hugpong Federal Movement of the Philippines.
Dinamling, who resides in Lagawe, said she was ready for the job, now made even tougher following the pronouncements of President Duterte in his State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) that the federalism issue is a top priority of his administration.
In an exclusive interview with the ZigZag Weekly, Dinamling said she would continue to help the Duterte administration and will be “involved in educating the people in this part of the region on the merits of federalism.”
“I’m focusing on enlightening our people in the grassroots level on the issues regarding the adoption of a federal form of government in the country,”
“In the intervening months to come, we expect lengthy discussions among the people as to whether the proposed shift to federal type from the unitary form should be supported or not by the electorate at an appropriate time,” Dinamling quipped, explaining her decision to organize in the province’s 175 villages as necessary.
Many residents and professionals in Ifugao described Dinamling as a “dedicated and fearless” leader.
From the Hugpong Ifugao chapter will spearhead information campaign on federalism, in partnership with non-government organizations (NGOs) and people’s organizations (POs).
Be that as it may, Hugpong’s style of pushing the issue to the fore and reliance of underrated, run-of-the-mill speakers was the substance of Hugpong’s approach and it was impractical and had unfortunate repercussions.
At the open forum, a speaker miserably failed to answer satisfactorily queries raised by some of the participants. For instance, the same speaker insisted that Hugpong identification card is acceptable at the airport but its acceptability in other government offices is another matter.
Other Hugpong Federal Movement of the Philippines-Ifugao chapter officers assisted Ms. Dimanling in the program, including Mary Cabbigat, who is the assistant provincial director. Her lengthy service in the provincial government was the basis of getting such a vital position.
“There’s nothing more satisfying than helping people learn and realize that federalism is the answer to the underdevelopment problem in our midst and this activity is a reminder that all sectors should be supportive of the cause,” she said.
All told, federalism proponents and supporters here should be inspired and motivated by Mrs. Cabbigat’s thoughts, as she continues to put heat and passion with her advocacy.
Hugpong Ifugao chapter municipal coordinators include Aldrin Guingayan, Aguinaldo; Arsenio Humiding, Alfonso Lista; Nathaniel Dupingay, Asipulo; Moises Dulnuan, Banaue; Alfie Inhumang, Hingyon; Ramn Biniahan, Hungduan; Cela Cortez, Kiangan; James Bulahao, Lagawe; Corazon Baliwang; Rudy Chilagan Jr, Mayoyao and Ben Mayumis, Tinoc.
The Hugpong federal movement involves its members in information and education campaign in their communities.
“If we work very hard in informing our people on the advantages of federalism, we are on the right track,” Dimanling reiterated.
In and out of the activity’s venue as well as before, during and even after the historic gathering at the capital town of this upland Cordillera province, Dinamling has continuously worked to disseminate essential information to the citizenry on the federalism issue.
Nearly 300 residents took part in the provincial summit of the Hugpong at the Lagawe Central School gymnasium.
The day-long program was also attended by Governor Pedro Mayam-o and former governor Eugene Balitang, who both opted not to take part as speakers.
Hugpong is a Cebuano word for “group” with a common cause. President Duterte, a former Davao City mayor and the federalism’s main proponent, speaks Cebuano language.
Uppermost in the minds of the chief architects of the federal plan, is the creation of the Federal State of Northern Luzon. It is composed of Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region and Cagayan Valley Region. Eleven other federal states are to be created.
Observers generally agreed that most Cordillerans are not comfortable under such a set-up. This has led to clamor for autonomy. As time went on, after the SONA of President Duterte, the priority of the chief executive, however, clearly is for shift to the federal type of government. On top of resolving the autonomy issue, concerned residents are also hopeful that the Duterte administration’s “build, build, build” infrastructure program has a special place for the impoverished region as a consolation.
The realistic approach, therefore, is to prepare for the eventual change of government type, for no renewed clamor by politicians can even come close to the indescribable worth of such an outcry.**By Anthony A. Araos
