Ifugao dads reiterate support to Cordillera's pursuit of regional autonomy and development

By Carlito C. Dar

Thursday 21st of June 2012

LAGAWE, Ifugao, June 21 (PIA) -- Leaders from this province headed by Governor Eugene Balitang and Congressman Teodoro "Teddy" Baguilat Jr., have reiterated their support to Cordillera’s pursuit of regional autonomy and development during the opening on Monday of the week-long Gotad Ad Ifugao festival 2012 in celebration of the 46th foundation anniversary of the province.

Baguilat, in his keynote address, expressed his support to the region’s pursuit for development by attaining regional autonomy and called on the people of Ifugao to enjoin the rest of Cordillera in working together for such cause.

According to Balitang, Ifugao is as rich as any province in Cordillera in terms of local potentials and natural resources and by being united as one province and one people, they can work together for the development of Ifugao and the region as a whole.

He also stressed that Ifugao has been moving forward. It is the result of the provincial government and the local chief executives working hard together, investing on the province's rich potentials especially in the sectors of agriculture, tourism, and industry, especially on hydro-electric power potential.

On the same occasion, the two leaders welcomed and received the Cordillera Unity Gong from the province of Benguet by a delegation headed by Vice Governor Cresencio Pacalso.

The Cordillera unity relay is part of the celebration of the 25th founding anniversary of the Cordillera Administrative Region. A gong is being moved around the provinces until it reaches Baguio for the anniversary celebration on July 15.

The bringing of the unity gong by the Benguet delegates only shows that though each province of Cordillera is independent, they can be united under a common cause.

In a separate media interview, Baguilat also stressed the need for an intensified information and education campaign down to the grassroots level to ensure that all provinces and all Cordillerans are united in the pursuit of regional autonomy.

According to Baguilat, even if the President expresses his support to the proposed Cordillera autonomy bill, it will not prosper if the people of Cordillera themselves cannot show that they are united for such cause. (JDP/CCD/PIA CAR)