Module 7

• The concept of regional autonomy refers to the granting of self-governing powers to a specific region within a larger political entity.
• Autonomy includes the elements self-determination, decentralization, and de-bureaucratization.
• In the case of the Cordillera Administrative Region, regional autonomy has been significant for the indigenous peoples and local communities of the Cordillera for many years.
• Cordillera Regional Autonomy holds immense importance for the people of the region due to several reasons.
• Cordillera is home to diverse indigenous communities, each with its unique cultural heritage, practices, and traditions.
• Regional autonomy provides a platform to protect and promote this rich cultural identity, ensuring its conservation for future generations, e.g., through creation of educational policies and priorities.
• With regional autonomy, the Cordillera gains greater control over its own affairs, enabling decision-making processes that are more attuned to the needs and aspirations of its people.
• This empowerment fosters a sense of self-determination and allows for the pursuit of sustainable development strategies.
• The Cordillera in an autonomous set up is granted powers to manage its natural resources.
• The region is known for its abundant natural resources, including forests, minerals, and watersheds.
• Regional autonomy provides an opportunity for the region to develop and implement sustainable resource management practices, balancing economic development with environmental conservation.
• By having greater control over their resources and decision-making processes, the Cordillera can channel efforts towards fostering economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and reducing poverty.
• Securing the welfare of the people will be one of the priorities of the regional government.
• Through the regional legislative assembly, the regional government may formulate laws and policies that are responsive to the needs of the region.
• The Cordillera region is unique in its natural topography, development needs, history, and culture.
• Attaining autonomy will not only benefit Cordillerans now, it is also for the future of the region.
• Regional autonomy allows for the formulation and implementation of policies and programs that are specifically tailored to the region's unique needs and potential.
• As an autonomous region, it is privileged to receive greater state subsidies and utilize resources to be used for its development priorities.
• The quest towards regional autonomy involves various dimensions, including historical, cultural and legal foundations.
• The Cordillera region is known for its rich and diverse cultural heritage.
• The Cordillera's cultural heritage is deeply intertwined with the people's ancestral lands, as their traditions and way of life are closely connected to the natural environment.
• Cultural conservation in the context of Cordillera Regional Autonomy aims to protect and promote indigenous cultures, ensuring their continuity for future generations.
• Preserving the cultural traditions of the Cordillera people holds immense importance in the autonomous region for several reasons: Identity and Heritage, Cultural Diversity and Intercultural Dialogue, Intergenerational Knowledge Transmission, and Tourism and Cultural Revitalization.
• Another unsuitable policy for the region is PD 705 which does not allow any land of the public domain 18% in slope or over shall be classified as alienable and disposable lands.
• Tailoring strategies to specific needs and priorities: An autonomous region has the ability to design and implement policies and strategies that are tailored to the specific needs and priorities of the Cordillera region.
• Renewable Energy and Green Technologies: The region's natural resources offer great potential for renewable energy production.
• Responsible management of resources: With autonomy, the Cordillera region has greater control over its natural resources and ensures their responsible management.
• Development concerns in the Cordilleras: The pursuit towards Cordillera Autonomy continued even after two failed attempts to attain autonomy through plebiscites.
• Prior and preferential rights over the utilization and development of natural resources: With autonomy, the regional government may enact laws that could shorten government processes.
• Progress for all: One reason for the clamor for regional autonomy is to achieve progress in the region.
• Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation: Given the region's vulnerability to natural disasters and climate change impacts, science and technology initiatives are focused on disaster risk reduction, early warning systems, community resilience, and climate change adaptation strategies.
• Economy: An autonomous region could potentially lead to increased investments, job opportunities, and economic growth as the region can tailor its strategies to its specific needs and priorities.
• Cordillera’s topography also means that costs for construction, digital connectivity infrastructure and the like are higher, yet the region has to adhere to the budgetary standards of the national government.
• Biodiversity Conservation and Ecotourism: The Cordillera Autonomous Region is home to diverse ecosystems and endemic species.
• The benefits of an autonomous set-up can be summarized into three core messages: PEOPLE, POLICIES, and PROGRESS.
• Besides the profound historical and cultural motivations of the pursuit, autonomy is still relevant given that the region is still facing concerns that a regular region cannot address.
• Educational priorities, e.g academic, professional, and technical courses needed in the region, must be aligned to the national programs which may be irrelevant to the region.
• Responsive Policies for the Cordillera: At present, the national government has exclusive control over the development and management of our natural resources.
• Environmentally friendly practices: By adopting environmentally friendly practices and leveraging the region's rich natural resources in a sustainable manner, the Cordillera region can attract socially responsible investments and establish itself as a hub for sustainable industries.
• Enhanced Cordilleran Identity: The present administrative set-up of the region is deemed to be temporary as EO 220 is only transitory towards an autonomous one.