Officials see bright outlook for Cordillera
THE REGIONAL Development Council (RDC) recently highlighted the region’s economic growth and the increasing support to and fast-tracking of Cordillera autonomy during a recent media forum.
RDC Chair and Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan shared the proposed organic act is embodied in the 1987 Constitution.
“What they are asking for in the constitution in relation to the Cordillera is already in our proposed organic act,” the mayor said based on the recently concluded public consultations on the draft federal constitution in Baguio initiated by the Constitutional Committee to Review the 1987 Constitution. However, he reiterated the clamor for autonomy is in the present constitution, thus supporting “autonomy towards federalism”.
In terms of growth, CAR has the fastest growing regional economy in 2017 at 12.1 percent.
RDC vice-chair and National Economic Development Authority regional director Milagros Rimando shared the growth was attributed to CAR being an industry-led economy.
Milagros said all, but three other regions in the country are services-led economies. Regions III and IV-A are industryled, while ARMM is agriculture-led.
She emphasized the RDC is working with PEZA to move beyond Baguio City, where these industries are concentrated, and build more economic zones throughout the Cordillera.
Meanwhile, the Cordillera month celebration is now in full swing with the province of Ifugao is ready for all the activities during the month long festivity according to Engr. Carmelita Buyuccan.
The annual Unity Gong Relay will be the centerpiece of the founding anniversary celebration.
Starting from Ifugao, the unity gong will work its way around the region spreading its theme of regional autonomy towards good governance.