Autonomy advocates educates Congress

A CONGRESSIONAL forum on autonomy and federalism was held January 17 at the House of Representatives.

The forum seeks to inform the House of Representatives on the plight of the Cordillera’s quest for self-determination, instill upon them the pressing need for autonomy in the region, and become our autonomy champions.

The National Economic and Development Authority and the Regional Development Council jointly partnered with the Institute of Autonomy and Governance headed by Atty. Benedicto Bacani for the forum.

Dr. Edmund Tayao of the Local Government Development Foundation discussed the proposed autonomous region of the Cordillera and federalism proposals, while Dir. Gen. Romulo Miral, Jr. of the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department will discuss the financial viability of the region as an autonomous region and federal state.

It could be recalled that several major events which include the CAR-Bangsamoro Knowledge Sharing with IAG in June 2017, North – South Talks February 2017, Alliance and Capability Building with IEC Partners July 2016, Cordillera Stakeholders Conference in May 2016 among others, were successfully conducted with IAG and LOGODEF.

More engagements with these institutions are expected this 2018 to further the CAR’s pursuit for regional autonomy.

All members of the House of Representatives, RDC ExCom members, CAR governors and some CAR elders attended the forum.