Teachers sought in the grassroots IEC on autonomy

By Larry T. Lopez

Wednesday 20th of June 2012

TABUK CITY, Kalinga, June 20 (PIA)-- Believing on the adage that wise vote comes from wise understanding, proponents of the third autonomy movement are tapping teachers in the information and education campaign on autonomy in the grassroots.

Kalinga Gov. Jocel C. Baac, who is also the Regional Development Council Chair, pointed out that favorable votes on autonomy in the plebiscite, lie largely on intelligent conduct of information drive on salient provisions of the autonomy act, counting on the role of teachers on this.

Teachers who are in constant contact with students and the public are seen as effective agents of disseminating correct information and this way, create positive information-multiplier system on the issue on autonomy, Baac stressed during the joint Congress-Regional Development Council (RDC) consultative dialogue on House Bill 5595 and Teachers Congress here.

Secondary school teachers and officials from the Department of Education (DepEd) Kalinga led by Schools Division Superintendent Norma Brillantes, were urged to understand by heart provisions of the House Bill 5595 entitled "An Act Creating An Autonomous Region in the Cordillera “ and as channels of correct information about autonomy.

The teachers offered how they could best contribute educate the people.

HB 5595 sponsored by most Cordillera congressmen, was recently passed by the House Committee on Local Government and is up for further at the House Committee on Appropriations.

The RDC autonomy working group is on provincial sorties conducting consultation and information-education drive on autonomy in line with the region’s third bid to achieve an autonomous status as provided for under the Constitution.

Meanwhile, Baac explained to the consultation participants composed of provincial officials, municipal executives, heads of line agencies, representatives from private organizations, education officials, police and military officers, that HB 5595 embodies advantages that the Cordillera region needs so that it could grow and be at par with other progressing regions in the country today.

“This is the proper time to give our vote in favor of the Organic Act as the third draft does not contain anything contrary to the Cordillera culture and values”, Baac pointed out.

On the other hand, Congressman Manuel S. Agyao urged people of the province to put their trust on the renewed quest for autonomy , saying this would bring the region to greater heights and development.

Agyao was the first among the Cordillera solons to sign the draft organic act for its filing in the House of Representatives.

“We have to be united and passionate about our quest for regional autonomy now in order to send a message to the national government that we mean business in our effort to achieve self-governance,’ he said.(JDP/LL- PIA CAR,Kalinga)