Balweg's Journey To Autonomy

15/07/2024

Promising young singer, Aisha Kamille Gumabay Bautista from Itogon, Benguet sings her own version of CORDILLERA HYMN in celebration of the 37th Cordillera Day. Her mother, Genevieve traces her roots in Bangued and Malibcong, Abra. Her father Emmanuel is from Bulacan. Aisha is a student at the University of Baguio (UB) Elementary Laboratory School. She was born in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and a sister to Kenneth Jhayve Bautista, lead actor in Salidumay by Dexter Macaraeg.

Aisha sang this song during the Sine Abreńo 3rd Abrenian Heritage Film Festival 2021 virtual opening program on September 6, 2021.

15/12/2021

Yesterday, December 12, the world commemorated the International Universal Health Coverage Day. This day aims to forward the agenda of universal health coverage (UHC), which means that “𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲, 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲.” Amin tayo ditoy Cordillera.

The proposed Cordillera autonomous region aims to provide adequate and quality health care to every Cordilleran. It recognizes health as a basic human right, as well as an instrument for and product of socio-economic development. For the Cordillera region, autonomy will help develop its primary health care system, provide this system according to service, social justice, and equity, train its health workers, and promote traditional indigenous health practices. Particularly, the autonomous region aims to allocate at least 5% of the Regional Annual Budget to form the base of the health budget (Sec. 132, Art. XIII).

This is instrumental in moving forward from the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, for example, one of the main challenges faced by indigenous communities in the region is the access to health services. Health workers and offices find it difficult to reach rural areas, thereby hampering service delivery. With resources such as a regional budget, the Cordillera will be able to equitably address health issues across the region through proper allocation, targeted development, and appropriate policies.

References:
HB 5687
United Nations. (n.d.). “International Universal Health Coverage Day, 12 December.”

Photo source:
Nathurst, CE. Museum of Ethnography, Sweden.

15/12/2021

There are roughly 41,838 Cordilleran overseas workers, according to the 2019 Survey on Overseas Filipinos.

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱. In order to do this, the Regional Government shall help ensure a sustainable and decent wage for all workers, ensure that workers and enterprises share profits and returns on investments, protect workers against unsafe working conditions, and mandate corporate social responsibility towards employees and the enterprise’s host community.

Measures of social protection such as these ensure that Cordillerans do not have to be removed from their family or their native land to pursue a good life. This is why one of the Regional Government’s mandates is to “𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗹𝗹” (Sec. 130, Article XIII).

As we enter the new year, let us all work together to build a Cordillera no one has to leave behind.


References:
HB 5687
Philippine Statistics Authority. (2020). “Total Number of OFWs Estimated at 2.2 Million.

15/12/2021

𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻? There are many ways we can participate in advocating for Cordillera regional autonomy in our daily lives!

• We can keep informed and keep informing others by tuning into the One Cordillera page for updates on Cordillera autonomy, as well as relevant information on our region’s history, culture, and current attractions. Offline, we can join forums held by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA-CAR) through the Social Preparation of CAR into an Autonomous Region (SPCAR) program.

• We can engage with our own communities—our family, friends, classmates, and workmates about regional autonomy. Formally, we can request information campaigns or talks on autonomy for our own organizations like Sangguniang Kabataan, our own barangays and churches, and our cooperatives and companies as part of their corporate social responsibility!

• We can also enthusiastically participate in Cordillera events, whether online or offline. This can be as simple as liking and sharing One Cordillera posts for our virtual community to learn more about regional autonomy. It can also be as simple as commenting your support, questions, or concerns on our posts. We’d love to hear from you, and we’d love to know your own lived experiences relevant to our content.

These are just a few examples of what any of us can do for autonomy in our daily lives. There are sure to be many more innovative and creative ways we can work together to achieve our dream of an autonomous Cordillera region. Partner with us in championing for autonomy by contacting us via our socials here on (Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter), through email at [email protected], or landline via (074) 448-0041 local 0160




Photo source

Lewis, Martin W. Wagering the Land: Ritual, Capital, and Environmental Degradation in the Cordillera of Northern Luzon, 1900-1986. Berkeley: University of California Press, c1992.

08/09/2020

This September 13 is the 34th anniversary of the historic Mt. Data Sipat.
Cordillera leaders and national officials will gather online to commemorate the activity and renew the national government's commitment to achieving Cordillera autonomy!

The Sipat is an indigenous practice preliminary to the forging of a peace pact among the Cordillera tribes.
The successful peace talk between the Philippine government and the Cordillera tribal leaders was conducted through a Sipat on September 13, 1986, at the Mount Data Hotel in Bauko, Mountain Province.
This Sipat led to the national government's creation of the CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION to help prepare the region for autonomous governance.

Follow us CORDILLERA to be updated

15/07/2020

09/07/2020

PROCLAMATION No. 977 - Declaring Wednesday, 15 July 2020, A Special (Non-Working) Day in the Cordillera Administrative Region

08/07/2020

Ever wondered why it's a holiday for the Cordillera every 13th of September?

As we celebrate the region's 33rd founding anniversary this month of July, everyday we take a glimpse of the milestones that paved way for the rise of a !

What other facts do you know about the Sipat that happened years ago? Leave a comment below 👇

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08/07/2020

After two failed attempts, the pursuit for Cordillera autonomy is still alive as the Regional Development Council pushes for another shot towards inclusive development in the region.

As we celebrate the region's 33rd founding anniversary this month of July, everyday we take a glimpse of the milestones that paved way for the rise of a !

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07/07/2020

After failing in the first organic act, the Cordillera renewed the call for regional autonomy through Second Organic Act (RA 8438).

As we celebrate the region's 33rd founding anniversary this month of July, everyday we take a glimpse of the milestones that paved way for the rise of a !

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04/07/2020

Cordillera Milestones
September 13, 1986 | SIPAT

04/07/2020

Ever wondered why it's a holiday for the Cordillera every 13th of September?

As we celebrate the region's 33rd founding anniversary this month of July, everyday we take a glimpse of the milestones that paved way for the rise of a !

What other facts do you know about the Sipat that happened years ago? Leave a comment below 👇

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14/06/2020

08/06/2020

Each time I passed over the Cordillera.
I feel as though I am arriving in the region of
my chidhood.

I recignize the region in which I grew up.
My gaze has turned towards the mountains.
Perhaps they are a gateway to an understanding of present-day Cordillera.

During the entire dictatorship, the Cordillera remained in its place.
The government and the Cordillera people forged the first culture-based peace agreement
known as "sipat" which means laying down of arms.

I believe the mountains is a witness to the struggle of self-determination.
Thirty four years since, the region has yet to achieve real autonomy.

Autonomy for the Cordillera means Enhanced Cordillera Identity amidst the pandemic. Because I believe that no pandemic can break the Cordilleran spirit and creativity.

Dexter Macaraeg
Founder, Sine Abreño
Director, Abrenian Heritage Film Festival

04/06/2020

CORDILLERA HYMN.

04/06/2020

02/06/2020

22/05/2020

: “[The] uniting factor of the Igorots and the Ilocanos, a culture of unity and cooperation as well as being disciplined that is a good strength,” Galvez said.

The pursuit of Cordillera autonomy goes beyond the indigenous peoples' right to self-determination. It is about achieving the development potential of a land through unity, cooperation and discipline.

22/05/2020

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1103579

BAGUIO CITY – National Task Force against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Thursday they will adopt the good practices in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) in preventing the spread of the disease.“For now I believe kayo ang...

22/05/2020

MUST READ.

http://car.neda.gov.ph/rdc-autonomy-advocacy-partners-review-2019-gains-and-2020-strategies/

Posted on February 13, 2020 BAGUIO CITY – Partners of the Cordillera Regional Development Council (RDC-CAR) gathered for a two-day Partners’ Assembly in Baguio City on January 15 and 16 to review the newly-filed proposed Cordillera Organic Law, the accomplishment of the advocacy program in 2019 ...

22/05/2020

MUST READ.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1080306

BAGUIO CITY -- The creation of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) is one of the most successful results of the talks between the government and rebel fighters, one that embodies a sense of sincerity by both parties to talk peace.“We responded to the call for peace of then...

22/05/2020

September 13. Holiday in CAR

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1080290

BAGUIO CITY -- The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) is set to commemorate the successful peace talks between the national government under former president Corazon “Cory” Aquino and the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) led by former rebel priest Conrado...

22/05/2020

Inspired by the photo of former President Corazon Aquino and Fr. Conrado Balweg during the exchange peace tokens (alasiw) signifying the cessation of hostilities (sipat) on September 13, 1986 at Mount Data Hotel in Bauko, Mountain Province.

22/05/2020

13 September 1986
Sipat Agreement
Mount Data Hotel
Bauko, Mountain Province

22/05/2020

September 13
1986 Mount Data Sipat Agreement
Bauko, Mountain Province