Igorot Global Org members briefed on regional autonomy

By Maria Aprilla W. Cruz

Thursday 19th of April 2012

BAGUIO CITY, April 19 (PIA) -- More than 200 Igorots from all over the world were briefed on the Cordillera autonomy being pushed for the third time.

Third Autonomy Act Drafting Committee Chairman Mauricio G. Domogan presented the salient features of the proposed organic act during the 9th Igorot International Consultation (ICC) held at the Baguio Country Club. The activity was hosted by the Igorot Global Organization (IGO)-Philippines in collaboration with IGO-International (IGO-INTL).

The IIC is one of the major activities of the IGO-INTL and it is conducted every two years in countries where IGOs are established. Its main objective is to provide a venue where Igorots/Cordillerans all over the world come together and consult on their social, economic, cultural, political concerns and interests and plan how they can help respond to them.

During the forum, Domogan mentioned that the enactment of Executive Order (EO) 220 creating the Cordillera Administrative Region was the best legacy former President Cory Aquino gave to the region. He further stated that the purposes of EO 220 are to administer the affairs of the region, to accelerate the economic and social growth and development of the units of the region, and to prepare for the establishment of the autonomous region in the Cordilleras.

He likewise informed that the draft act has been filed last year and passed recently by the of House of Representatives’ committee on local government.

According to Domogan the five core principles of autonomy are: the permanent regional identity that entails the line agencies and offices of the National Government devolved to the regional government including their personnel, equipment, properties and budget; the principle talks about non-diminution of existing benefits and powers, wherein the power and benefits of the region will not be diminished; the principle of the nationally paid officials and employees will continue to be nationally paid meaning the budgetary needs of the regional agencies where they belong will continue to be provided by national government; the subsidy from the National Government wherein the national government will provide the autonomous government annual assistance of P10 billion per year for the first five years - another P5 billion will be given per year for the next five years, with a total of P75 billion for a period of ten years; and the national government provision of sufficient budgetary allocation to the region, to ensure the financial stability and sustenance of the region. (JDP/MC-PIA CAR)