Autonomy is for empowerment. With the theme ‘Securing the Future of a Unified Cordillera”,

38TH CORDILLERA DAY. Officials, representatives from national line agencies, and stakeholders attended the 38th Cordillera Day Program on July 15, 2025, at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center. Photos by Neil Clark Ongchangco

The Cordillera’s long-standing quest for autonomy is not a call for secession but for empowerment; it is not a call for rebellion but for peace and recognition; it is not for privilege but for empowerment; not to divide but to strengthen the peoples’ unity, Representative Mauricio G. Domogan said in a forum on Tuesday, 15 July.

Domogan, who will be serving as the city’s Lone District Representative to the House during the 20th Congress, pointed out that while in the eyes of a skeptical few, the failure of two previous autonomy plebiscites may have been seen as a major blow to the Cordilleran’s dream of giving the region the right to chart its future, it should not minimize the aspiration for self-determination.

“We must take this as a challenge and stand our ground when the winds of resistance blow hard against our dream. Let us turn the opposite winds to be our ally. Let us come up with a more intensified and vigorous call for a well-informed and inclusive approach in pursuing autonomy anchored in participatory dialogues, education, and unity among the various ethno-linguistic groups in the region,” Domogan stressed.

Further, Cordillerans have always valued dialogue, self-determination, and justice long before ink was invented and used to inscribe the laws.

He called on the people to recall the wisdom often echoed in the voices of the elders throughout the region’s long journey: “We do not ask for favors, we only ask to be given the freedom to shape our own destiny.” Which are not just words but a reflection of a people who have long known who they are and what they rightfully deserve.

Domogan stipulated that Cordillerans should know and understand that their leaders are ready to fight the arduous battle of self-determination for autonomy within the ambit of the Constitution and that the young people should also know that they are not just heirs to the mountains, but torchbearers and guardians of a vision.

In a message by Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong said that Baguio, as the host city for this year’s celebration, stands with the Cordillerans in their quest for regional autonomy as the city remains committed to serving not just as the center of government and the melting pot of culture, but as a city that reflects a secure and unified region.

Baguio City is the host of this year’s 38th Cordillera month celebration in partnership with the infrastructure committee of the Regional Development Council (RDC), chaired by Ifugao Gov. Jerry Dalipog.

He claimed that the region’s strength lies not only in the diversity of Cordillerans, their languages, traditions, and histories, but also in their shared vision for the region to be an autonomous region in the future.

According to him, people come from the rice terraces of Ifugao, the highlands of Mountain Province, the fertile farms of Benguet, the forests of Apayao, the mighty rivers of Abra or the valleys of Kalinga, people are bound by the same dream, a Cordillera that governs itself with dignity, preserves its heritage and uplifts every community.

With the theme ‘Securing the Future of a Unified Cordillera,’ people are gathered not only to celebrate the region’s achievements but to strengthen the vision for a future rooted in unity, inclusivity, and self-determination.

The difficulty in passing the Cordillera autonomy bill in the Philippine Congress is a recurring issue highlighted in the provided articles.

City officials in the Cordillera region should continue to advocate for autonomy at the local level, educating their constituents about the benefits and addressing concerns.  They can also actively support and participate in Cordillera Day events to demonstrate regional unity and strengthen the push for autonomy.

Congress should prioritize the Cordillera autonomy bill, addressing the financial concerns raised by fiscal managers.  This might involve finding alternative funding mechanisms or revising the proposed budget.  Open dialogue with Cordillera representatives and community leaders is crucial to understand and address their concerns and build consensus. With the report of Dexter See