BAGUIO CITY— The Cordillera Dagyaw scheduled for October 12 was set to tackle the quest for regional autonomy in the Cordillera region, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Cordillera announced on Tuesday.
“The Department, in partnership with other regional line agencies, recognizes that our pursuit of regional autonomy poses significant challenges and complexities. “Dagyaw 2023 Episode 2: ‘Usapang Awtonomiya’ will provide a platform to acknowledge the historical and cultural elements that contribute to our unique Cordilleran identity. This initiative reflects our shared aspirations for cultural preservation, equitable resource management, and responsible governance,” said DILG Cordillera Regional Director Araceli San Jose.
Further, she underscored that this particular episode will reinforce the national government’s dedication and unwavering support for the pursuit of Cordillera regional autonomy.
It can be recalled that the quest for Cordillera autonomy is provided for in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which specifically states that: “There shall be created autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao and in the Cordilleras consisting of provinces, cities, municipalities, and geographical areas sharing common and distinctive historical and cultural heritage, economic and social structures, and other relevant characteristics within the framework of this Constitution and the national sovereignty as well as territorial integrity of the Republic of the Philippines.”
Cordi Dagyaw 2023
RD San Jose said that Dagyaw strives to improve trust and confidence between the people and their government by providing a safe and protected space for dialogue for multiple sectors across society.
It is spearheaded by the DILG, Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Cordillera alongside partners from national and regional government agencies, as well as Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation Inc. (JVOFI), Cordillera Network of NGOs and POs (CORDNET), Peoples Organization for Social Transformation (POST), Pansigedan Advocacy Cooperative (PAC), Council for the Restoration of Filipino Values (CRFV), Filipino Japanese Foundation of North Luzon Inc. (Abong), Doctors for Indigenous Health and Culturally-Competent Training, Education, Networking and Governance Inc. (DITENG) and North Luzon Federation of Cooperatives and Development Center (NORLU CEDEC).
Also, the general public can participate by accessing the live stream of “Dagyaw 2023: Usapang Awtonomiya,” through the official Facebook pages of the DILG, DBM, and PIA Cordillera on October 12, 2023, from 1:00 pm and 5:00 p.m.
LGUs encouraged to renew their support to Cordillera Autonomy
Meanwhile, RD San Jose urges local government units (LGUs) to step up their support to the region’s call for autonomy, emphasizing that LGUs are in the best position to understand and address the concerns and aspirations of our communities. She said that their support plays a crucial role in amplifying the voices of their people and ensuring that their concerns are duly acknowledged and resolved.
Adding, “Our journey toward regional autonomy is not just a political endeavor; it is an affirmation of our commitment to preserving our cultural heritage, empowering our communities, and ensuring the prosperity of our region. It is about shaping a future where decisions affecting our lives and the lives of our children are made right here, within the boundaries of Cordillera. **PMTG-DILG-CAR