14/07/2026
๐ฆ๐ง๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ก๐ง: NAPCโRBSCC CAR joins 39th Cordillera Month celebration
The National Anti-Poverty Commission โ Regional Basic Sectors Coordinating Council (NAPCโRBSCC) Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) joins the 39th Cordillera Month celebration, commemorating over three decades since the regionโs unification through Executive Order No. 220, series of 1987, issued by the late President Corazon Aquino.
This yearโs theme, โSMART Cordillera: Enabling Local Enterprises Through Digital Transformation and Regional Autonomy,โ underscores the resilience, creativity, and adaptability of Cordilleran entrepreneurs as they navigate emerging digital innovations. It highlights the vital role of local enterprises and creative industries in driving inclusive regional development and advancing the long-standing aspiration for Cordillera autonomy.
As part of the celebration, the RBSCC CAR reaffirms its Cross-Sectoral Agenda No. 1: Cordillera Autonomy. From the perspective of the basic sectors, autonomy is not merely a political aspirationโit is a pathway toward greater inclusion, representation, and responsive governance.
Cordillera autonomy will empower the region to craft culturally grounded and context-sensitive social programs, directly allocate resources, and deliver services that are more efficient and responsive to the needs of the basic sectors. It will strengthen local industries and livelihood opportunities while ensuring that the rights, voices, and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples remain at the center of regional policymaking. With greater fiscal and political authority, an autonomous Cordillera can address poverty more effectively, enhance disaster preparedness, protect its cultural heritage, and build a more equitable and people-centered future.
Over the years, RBSCCโCAR has consistently forged partnerships with regional line agencies, legislators, and stakeholders to advance the Cordillera autonomy agenda. Among these efforts were the 2023 Talakayan on Cordillera Autonomy, bilateral engagements with former Baguio City Congressman Mauricio Domogan on House Bill No. 6981, and sustained policy advocacy and lobbying for the Cordillera autonomy bill from the 18th to the 20th Congress.
Today, RBSCC CAR reiterates its unwavering support for the passage of House Bill No. 6981, the Cordillera Autonomous Region Organic Act (CAR Act), filed by the Cordillera representatives. The Council calls on the senators to file and champion a Senate counterpart that truly reflects the aspirations and identity, as well as echoes the voices of the Cordillera people. They likewise urge President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to include the CAR Act among his priority legislative measures and certify it as urgent.
This call is anchored on Section 15, Article X of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which mandates the creation of an autonomous region in the Cordilleras, and on the enduring commitments embodied in the Mt. Data Peace Accord.
In celebrating this milestone, the RBSCC CAR also encourages everyone to honor the struggles, achievements, and collective aspirations of the Cordillera people. May this Cordillera Month further strengthen our solidarity and renew our commitment to genuine autonomy, inclusive development, and lasting peace.
With joy, pride, and unity, we celebrate with our fellow Cordillerans.
Agtultuloy ti pannagkaykaysa tayo para iti Otonomiya!
(Tuloy-tuloy ang ating pagkakaisa para sa Otonomiya! )
