"We demand Cordillera Autonomy... now na" - RDC Chair Bulut Jr.

Bangued, Abra - CAR RDC Chair and Apayao Governor underscores the need to assert Cordillera's constitutional right to self-governance, saying "nabayagen daytoy nga dawat tayo, marunot payen ta gong ti kapapang-or tayo... ngem mas lalo koma tatta nga ipilit tayo."

During his talk at the 37th Cordillera Month Celebration held at the Abra Sports Complex in Bangued, Bulut reminds the delegates from all the provinces in the region of the aspirations of those who began the quest for autonomy. Further, he mentioned how Cordillera has been stifled by the current governance system, and thus progress and development is rather slow and at times centralized policies and programs may not answer the needs of the people.

"We did not come here just to celebrate but more to reignite our call to autonomy.... louder!," he said.

The RDC Chair believes that "if we attain autonomy, we shall be in a better position to manage our resources and address our own problems," highlighting that the lands and waters are tied to Cordillera's identity and culture which are the fabric that unite the people.

Bulut Jr. added that with that, Cordillera can create its own model of sustainable development to use, protect, and conserve its resources, citing as an example the achievement of Apayao of being declared as a biosphere reserve by the UNESCO this July. It made Apayao became the 4th Biosphere Reserve in the Philippines. The province is also Cordillera's last nature frontier for its vast forest, clean waters, and rich biodiversity protected by its indigenous wisdom and practices.

This is an example "saan lang nga pang Pilipinas ti Cordillera nu di ket pangworld class pa," he said.

Being the RDC Chair, Bulut likewise emphasized how Cordillera can maximize its energy potential by exploring power generation. "As the RDC Chair, one of my priorities is harnessing our energy potential... we are abundant in renewal energy, but we are not maximizing our potentials," emphasized Bulut.

Additionally, the Apayao Governor did not fail to challenge the youth to join the march towards autonomy and to be active in the quest as they shall be the future of Cordillera and they shall inherit the fruits of the struggle.

In his concluding statement, Bulut echoed the clamor of leaders of those before and now, "We demand Cordillera Autonomy... Now na!"