MP elders say No to regional autonomy bill

By Gina Dizon

BONTOC, MOUNTAIN PROVINCE - Elder participants to the 4rth congress of MAITUD (Movement for the Advancement of Inter-Tribal Unity and Development) said NO to the government-led regional autonomy pursued in House Bill 5343.           

In their annual gathering here conducted February 23-24, a resolution of elders from Mountain Province forwarded instead genuine regional autonomy inspired by collective and empowered cultural communities to address Cordillera interest.

In their resolution, participants forwarded lessons and aspirations from the Chico Dam struggle in the ‘70s on to 1980s to learn from and advance what genuine autonomy means.

That opposition meant the continued enjoyment of peoples living near the Chico River to their homes and use of their agricultural fields as of now.

Elders honor martyrs  to the Cordillera's struggle for self determination 

Participant elders forwarded that House Bill 5343 and Organic Act on regional autonomy is not the answer to interests of Cordillera people.  

Its only when communities are empowered and self-determining to their political, economic and ancestral domain that genuine autonomy is realized was the main message of said resolution.
Keynote speaker Cordillera elder and leader Thomas  Killip reminded the assembly of the continuity of  good learnings from  community practises to advance collective interests.

Newly elected MAITUD chairperson Alpine Atiwag is emphatic that said autonomy bill does not amend national laws not favorable to Cordillera peoples interests as PD 705.

Atiwag forwarded that PD 705 be repealed or amended to excempt Cordillera and others adversely affected with the law.

Participants expressed their disgruntled frustration on PD 705 not letting them freely harvest timber and other products from their own forests.

A common sentiment is the question: How can there be an autonomous government if these oppressive national laws such as PD 705 are not repealed or amended  that disenfranchises indigenous peoples who live in terrains 18% in slope and over to their very land where most Cordillera people are staying.

PD 705  further provides that “no person may utilize, exploit, occupy, possess or conduct any activity within any forest and grazing land, or establish, install, add and operate any wood or forest products processing plant, unless he had been authorized to do under a license agreement, license, lease or permit.”

PD 705 provides, “no land of the public domain18% in slope or over shall be classified as alienable and disposable, nor any forest land  50% in slope or over, as grazing land.” In effect, occupants thereof cannot  avail of a cutting permit on an untitled forest land.  In Mountain Province for one, offenders are charged with violation of PD 705 by DENR.

Let Congress both in the House of Representatives and Senate repeal oppressive laws then we talk autonomy is the challenge.

If lawmakers do not even consider bills of Cordillera interest what is the guarantee that House Bill 5343 shall answer Cordillera interests and control their natural resources is the question posed by the participants.

CPA Sec Gen Abigail Anongos

As it is, some laws supposedly favorable to the Cordillera has not even been favorably considered in the Senate level. For one, the direct remittance bill seeking to remit directly to local government units their 40 percent share on the collections from national wealth taxes authored by then Baguio congressman Mauricio Domogan has not gotten Senate approval.  

MAITUD Congress speaker Abigail Anongos said genuine regional autonomy is not possible under a government beholden to foreign interests emphasizing self-determining communities define what genuine autonomy means.  

Participants forwarded that the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 is contrary to interests of indigenous peoples rights to their ancestral domains.    

The Philippine Mining Act of 1995 provides for 100% foreign-owned corporations of up to 81,000 hectares for 25 years, renewable for another 25 years. This in spite of the Philippine constitution’s 60-40 rule on Filipino ownership and control on their natural resources.  

The law also grants foreign mining companies easement rights, water rights and timber rights; and a tax exemption for a grace period of 10 years.

MAITUD Chairperson Martin Bagcalang

Where the gold and chromite rich Cordillera is already blanketed with a number of mining applications from foreign mining companies threaten Cordillera communities control to their very own lands and natural resources.  

Participants forwarded that People’s Mining Bill be enacted instead.

Also, said autonomy bill does not even address a united Cordillera region.

MAITUD outgoing chairperson Martin Bagcalang said the government - inspired autonomy is divisive.

HB 5343 provides “only two or more provinces and/or cities voting favorably for the Organic Act in the plebiscite shall comprise the Autonomous Region of the Cordillera while those voting unfavorably for this Organic Act in the plebiscite shall remain within their current region.”

This provision then questions what Cordillera means where provinces who may not favor HB5343 are not included in what is called Cordillera autonomy.

The bill is anti -indigenous and anti -cultural contrary to consensual and collective belonging as the basis for decision making in indigenous communities, Bagcalang said.

The MAITUD resolution forwarded that HB  5343 is about structures, positions in government and a P15 billion budget.   

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Cordillera congressmen endorse draft EO to make special region

BAGUIO CITY – All Cordillera congressmen have endorsed a draft executive order of the Regional Development Council to make Cordillera a special region.

RDC vice-chairperson Milagros Rimando bared this even as moves to make the region autonomous had suffered setback since constituents are not too keen on it.

Cordillera congressmen include Ronald Cosalan of Benguet, Nicasio Aliping Jr., Baguio; Teodoro Baguilat, Ifugao;Laurence Wacnang, Kalinga; Maximo Dalog, Mountain Province and Begtang of Apayao. 

“The draft executive order will advance the autonomy pursuit of the region, not derail it,” said Rimando during their meeting here Feb 11.

The meeting was held to address issues on whether the draft EO, as reportedly suggested by President Aquino, means giving up on making Cordillera Administrative Region autonomous.

Rimando, also Cordillera Economic and Development Authority director  said the draft executive order entitled “Accelerating the economic growth and social development of the Cordillera Administrative Region and enhancing its social preparation towards autonomy,”  would strengthen status of CAR as a special region as it continues its pursuit for autonomy.

Rimando said if enacted, additional funds to the region would accelerate economic growth and development of the Cordillera

The funds would be aside from Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) allotment provided to local government units including allocations provided through regional line agencies.

She said it highlights Section 22 of EO 220 which provides that CAR and its LGUs shall, “as part of the BIR allotment to the region, have at least 50 percent share in taxes and other government revenues generated in the region’s territorial coverage.”  

This section of EO 220 has not been implemented since 1987 when the order was issued by then President Corazon Aquino.

To date, all Cordillera congressmen and governors have endorsed the draft EO. 

Cosalan updated the RDC on their request for House Speaker Sonny Belmonte to arrange a meeting with President Aquino so they, together with the Speaker, can personally give the draft EO to him.

link here: http://northphiltimes.blogspot.com/2015/02/cordillera-congressmen-endorse-draft-eo.html

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P500,000.00 prov’l autonomy budget

From the P15 million budget for regional autonomy with its spending term to end by December this year, each of the six provinces of the Cordillera is allotted P500, 000 for their respective consultation and information activities for the drafting of the third organic act for Cordillera regional autonomy.

A half million peso allotment per province would then be equal to P3.5 million pesos for all the six provinces of Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province and Baguio City.
And the rest of the P11.5 million…where will it go? The answer my friend, is blowing in the wind with Regional Development Council (RDC) chair and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) director Juan Ngalob calling the shots in how the autonomy money is allocated.

Back to the P500,000 allocation. Is this amount enough to reach out to some 150,000 voters spread out in 10 municipalities and 144 barangays in Mountain Province for example? Here in Mountain Province, this amount of half a million pesos means one consultation only per municipality.

The consultation on regional autonomy shall be done in a general manner with representatives per barangay and sectoral groups attending, as how the Mountain Province sub-committee on the drafting committee chaired by civic leader Franklin Odsey has come up with in their recent meeting. Forget about mass-wide barangay and sectoral consultations. Obviously, such budget amounting to only P500, 000 pesos can only reach one consultation per town with a limited number of participants even.

A quick calculation brings up to P50, 000 per town/consultation from the half million allocation allotted by RDC to provinces. Less secretariat and travel fees for facilitators including coordination expenses, leaves something like 15,000 to 20,000 allotment for meals per municipality. Anyone can come up with a quick calculation how many mouths to feed for P20,000 pesos only. Participants who attend trainings in posh hotels and resorts and even meetings know what P20, 000 means.

That is, one cannot gather people, get them out from their work and homes and families and not serve lunch with a piece of meat or some veggies or bilis (dried fish) and rice. While it is cultural to feed people during community gatherings, the activity has a P15 million budget to spend to reach the widest number of people as much as possible. Of course, meals are one of the major items to be budgeted aside from secretariat, travels, and coordination expenses.

So there it goes. A simple calculation with 144 barangays multiplied by at least P7, 000 per pig and one more to feed the entire barangay will come up with one million pesos. That is less rice, fuel, veggies, salt, kape and asukal. Add hundred thousands more for sectoral meetings and more for travels and logistics for operations and secretariat work.

An allotment of at least P1.5 to 2 million per province from the P15 million budget is then wanting to make this autonomy drive more intensive and broad than the previous consultation-information drives done in the past. It is a question if this third autonomy attempt has learned something or not from the previous two failed ones. Otherwise, this autonomy campaign is being done just to spend the 15 million pesos! Period.

With lack of information cited as a major reason why the previous autonomy attempts failed in the two plebiscites as noted in a RDC survey which noted that 40% don’t know what autonomy is all about, RDC’s very act of allotting a measly amount now from the total P15 million autonomy budget is remarkably absurd.

An honest to goodness information drive means barangay and sectoral consultations in mass attendance where every voter is expected to be informed and say what he or she thinks about regional autonomy to find incorporation in the proposed organic act.

It is another issue to discuss where the media comes in. With a P15 million budget, how much is allotted for media purposes? Is the radio utilized? How consistent are the radio plugs? How about the print media in the local and regional level? Saw only once an advertisement on regional autonomy in regional papers. Haven’t come across stories consistently written to spur a government led-autonomy campaign.

The autonomy drive was only trying hard to be visible during the celebration of the Cordillera Month last July with government staff doing an ethnic hataw and Baguio based students doing a debate on regional autonomy. Aside from these, there was not a pronounced celebration or a visible autonomy campaign in the provinces. Obviously, the P15 million budget is wanting of visibility to get evangelized in the provinces.

Now, RDC is scrambling and rushing to spend P15 million before the year ends. Such a big amount of money which should have been spent earlier or towards the 2nd quarter of the year and less money left to spend in the latter part of the year.

But anyway, with all these information and consultation activities for autonomy, are the people really interested to have regional autonomy in the first place? For those who are already closed with the idea of a regional autonomy, the road is open for those who may be wanting of information or persuasion. And this is where the P15 million should be spent ngarud to reach the remotest barangay because in the first place those who will vote are the people and not only government personnel doing the ethnic hataw or RDC officials and NEDA staff and pro-autonomy advocates to say yes to autonomy.

While such is the question, political leader Rafael Wasan asked during an earlier meeting chaired by organic act drafting committee chairman and Baguio Mayor Mauricio Domogan, why RDC is the only one budgeting the autonomy fund. The rest is history as Wasan asked further how the initial P33 million autonomy fund was spent to which RDC Chair/NEDA Director Ngalob said the answer is posted in the RDC website!

Northern Philippine Times

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Cordillera Autonomy Part 3?

This so-determined stance of the Regional Development Council to push through with regional autonomy for the Cordillera is already a boring campaign and has lost its flavor.

Unless the RDC is going to make the issue as enticingly beneficial in the current scenario to gain attention by all sectors in Cordillera society, then the bid for the third attempt may see fruit. A flashback on the beginnings for a regional autonomy in the ‘80s began with a highly political setting calling for changes in the region.

With the call for regional autonomy highly politicized, the public saw differing autonomy frameworks from two highly ideological groups - that within a self- determining people within a nation sparked by the militant Cordillera Peoples Alliance(CPA) and the armed Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army’s (CPLA) idea of federalism of a nation within a nation.

The political scenario then showed a heavily loaded transition from the Marcos years to the Cory administration warranting the need for a change of political system then. Intense militarization and an equally intense insurgency and high incidents of human rights violations coupled with poverty marked the transition period before President Corazon took the leadership from then deposed President Ferdinand Marcos.

The need for a responsive political system for the Cordillera was equally high.If the plebiscite happened during the intense political situation in the middle ‘80s, I guess, the plebiscite for regional autonomy may have been realized. With the plebiscite happening when the iron cooled and the political climate was dazzlingly smooth and comfortable already with the leadership of then President Cory, the quest for autonomy apparently sizzled with NO votes over whelmingly winning over the lone votes of Ifugao still hopeful that regional autonomy will make wonders for the Cordillera.

And so it went until the second autonomy attempt was foiled in 1998 when the political administration led by President Joseph Estrada was equally not as politically polarized in the grassroots level to warrant a political change in government for the Cordillera. And more so under the term of former President Gloria Arroyo, she has established a mellowed government among heads and officials bringing the region under her control.

Seemingly too, at the same time, the people are pre-occupied with economic needs rather than going political such that getting out of the country to look for better jobs and opportunities was the more pressing and better thing to do under the time when GMA brought the country to utter impoverishment.

Now comes RDC chair and NEDA Director Juan Ngalob inviting President Benigno Aquino 111 to be the guest speaker in the 23rd celebration of the birth of the Cordillera Administrative Region on July 15 marking the date when former President Corazon Aquino signed EO 220 creating CAR in July 15, 1987. Ngalob thinks that President Noynoy will support regional autonomy.

Why will he not? In terms of allocating budget, I guess he will. Yet, it is a different thing when regional autonomy gets to a plebiscite. I believe so.

At this times when the administration seemingly is promising and determined to rid the country of corruption and bring a better Philippines, rocking the status and calling for changes in the structure of CAR as well and vote for ‘regional autonomy’ seemingly will not gain acceptance among the people.

The present set up is good as it is. What is needed is to make existing beneficial and progressive laws work for the Cordillera and equally craft relevant and beneficial policies not there within the present system. For one, is a policy letting Cordillera provinces have their share from National Irrigation Authority collections on waters sourced from watersheds within Cordillera territory flowing to lowland irrigation. Surely, such proposed laws can be forwarded by our representatives in Congress.

Or do we need a Cordillera assemblyman to do this? By the way, how is that bill already forwarded by former Baguio congressman now mayor Mauricio Domogan for local government units to have their share from taxes of national corporations doing operations in respective territories of LGUs?

While national laws have a stronghold on the economic and natural resource base of the people, autonomy becomes a vacillating issue. So vacillating that autonomy gets half-bred and redefined on self-determination within the present system.

A look at the program of the 23rd celebration of the Cordillera Month makes me smile like a college student. Some of the activities- intercollegiate debate and a radio quiz – aside from tree planting and ethnic hataw make up activities of the celebration.

Perhaps, a sizable cut from the autonomy budget may as well be given to the Department of Education so they can craft consistent ways of letting students learn what autonomy is all about the whole year round.

Meantime, what do the rest of the people of the Cordillera do to take part in this month long activity aside from the debate participated in by Baguio-based students and ethnic hataw by government entities? While the government has beautifully crafted development plans done by development planners and technocrats, I yet have to see sectoral development plans crafted by farmers, fisher folks, artists, teachers, youth, business people, media, women, and professionals in their own fields.

Unless if there is one already, I would like to know. Before we dream of regional autonomy for the third time and end up unpopular, consultations and discussions on common terms and aspirations is wanting. And then perhaps, we can tell President Noynoy Aquino what kind and what makes up the regional autonomy that we want. Otherwise, let the remaining P15 million budget information drive be allotted for livelihood programs among the rest of the Cordillerans before another batch will fly out of the country to look for better jobs and leave their families.

From: Northern Philippine Times

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Cordillera Day 2010

By Fr. Rex Reyes Jr.
Secretary-General
National Council of Churches in the Philippines

Cordillera Day has a face — the face of Macliing Dulag. In his time Macliing Dulag personified the resistance of the lgorots to the Philippines systematic destruction of the forests and rivers of the Cordilleras in name of profit and development and without regard to the welfare of the Igorots and the ecological consequences of such destruction.

The resistance was not for resistance's sake. It was neither a resistance against development nor progress. It was a principled stand in favor of a development process that favors the empowerment of marginalized communities in this country. It was in favor of respecting the rights of indigenous peoples enabling them to be conscious of those rights, and giving them the opportunity to responsibly exercise those rights of citizens of this republic.

Deep in the consciousness of indigenous peoples is the reverence for the land and all that is in it and upon it. "Land is life!" is not a mere slogan. It is an affirmation of the unmistakeable relationship among human beings and between human beings and the land. It also affirms that the land and its resources are to be used with a deep sense of responsibility for the welfare of future generations. Thus, land and its resources cannot be seen mainly from a commercial perspective.

Today, the political structure of our country wantonly and continuously abandons this reverence for land and resources. In insisting that globalization and foreign investments are the way to economic progress, our government has acquiesced to the impositions of foreign business thereby compromising seriously the posterity of this country. Globalization stymies local industry as local production is no match to the mass production of other countries. We need only to see what is happening to the vegetable industry in the Cordilleras. The present dispensation hos gained notoriety for foreign investments that have become avenues for corruption.

Cordillera Day is all about change for the better and that includes systematic change in government. Cordillera Day is a time to send the message to the powers-that- be that we, the indigenous people and the rest of the people of this country deserve better. For too long we have suffered deceit and marginalization. For too long, promises of politicians have remained promises. We deserve a government which does not allow its people to work abroad under harsh conditions. We deserve a government that places premium and with clear platforms on education, health, agrarian reform, housing, decent wages and the rights of indigenous peoples!

We deserve a government that does not label principled dissent as terrorism, engage in extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances! We deserve a government that goes for principled peace process to resolve the long civil strife that has claimed the lives of women, children and foot—soldiers! We deserve a governmenf that is not corrupt!

We cannot leave the future of this country to politicians alone, much less to politicians who are accountable only to themselves, their families and their friends.

Cordillera Day is all about celebration. It is a celebration of the hope that is now turning to reality. The efforts of those before us to make us proud of who we are is something to celebrate. Their untiring labor to bring about critical thinking and vigilance among us is something to celebrate. The emergence of a new breed of principled politicians and credible party list groups is something to celebrate. Principled and credible because they serve the people and have been maligned and vilified for doing so.

Cordillera Day has a face — it is the face of every Igorot who loves peace and justice, freedom and abundant life for all. It is the face of every Igorot who resists those who would trade our birthrights for a pair of shoes. It is the face of every Igorot very much concerned with the welfare of future generations and who is not afraid to declare: "WE ARE THE STEWARDS OF THE LAND!"

From the National Council of Churches in The Philippines, accept our warm greetings and solidarity!

Padi Rex RB Reyes, Jr.
Sangguniang Pambansa ng mga Simbahan sa Pilipinas/
National Council of Churches in the Philippines

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Health service a major need in remote villages- KATRIBU

There is a breath of life in Katribu President Beverly Longid’s commendation to medical board topnotcher Marie Jo-Ann Beltran Cabanting’s decision to stay and serve the country. Folks from far flung villages not reached by doctors and nurses who suffer from lack of health services, would be happy.

Among health service-needy areas are places where ethnic peoples are found. Indigenous Peoples which account for 15% of the population compose 110 ethnolinguistic groups including the Isneg and the Igorots in the uplands of the Cordillera, the Bugkalot of northern Luzon, the Aetas of Southern Luzon, Mangyans of Mindoro to the Lumads of Mindanao.

On account of isolation, ethnic groups have generally been forgotten in the mainstream population in terms of socio-economic development. One of these features of government neglect is health service.

Katribu, a party list organization-candidate for a legislative seat in Congress for the 2010 elections, considers health as one of its major platforms in government.

Infant mortality rate for one is still high and varies throughout the country depending on socioeconomic and demographic factors. A high infant mortality rate is noted among infants of mothers with less or no education and those who receive no antenatal and delivery care. In most cases, those who suffer from infant mortality are found in remote villages.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports the Philippines is one of 42 countries that account for 90% of global deaths among children under five.

Communicable diseases are also high. In 2005, there were reported cholera outbreaks in Catanduanes and Palawan, causing deaths among children and adults. Tuberculosis remains among the 10 leading causes of morbidity and mortality.

With health services devolved to LGUs and now managed by the municipal government through its rural health units and barangay health stations, persisting issues such as less access to health services by remote and isolated areas is still a major complaint. The mass migration of doctors and nurses to other developed countries is making health services doubly difficult for far flung communities.

Besides, personal spending of health services is still a major issue with government lacking provision of medicines and hospital fees.

Health remains to be a major concern in the country. The government's attention to provide the needed services and build a healthy base by uplifting the local economy instead of sending people out of the country remains to be a top call.

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Stop labeling health workers as ‘communists’- KATRIBU

KATRIBU president Beverly Longid says the military should stop calling the 43 detained health workers including human rights defenders as 'communists'.

This, during her visit to two members of indigenous tribes- Among, a 22 year old Mangyan from Manalaysay, Mindoro Oriental and Angela Manogan Doloricon from the Aplai tribe of Sagada, Mountain Province- at the military camp in Mount Capinpin, Rizal.

Longid also called for the immediate release of the detained health workers.

Among and Manogan are two of 43 health workers who attended a health skills training to provide services to needy communities, as conducted by Community Medicine Development Foundation and Council for Health and Development.

They were arrested on February 6 by heavily armed elements of the 202nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army and the Rizal Philippine National Police on claims that the health workers were doing a training on bomb making.

Others who were illegally arrested and detained by the military are graduates from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) who provide health services and training to needy communities.

The health workers are branded by the government military forces as members of the New Peoples Army (NPA).

Branding human rights activists and now health workers as NPAs and ‘communists” have since been an age-old tactic of the government's military forces. Such an obsolete military method hounding on suspected members of the NPA is perpetuated at the detriment of human rights and social rights of needy communities.

While the world is moving towards a participatory form of governance, this illegal and obsolete manner of frisking health workers is absolutely not healthy nor is it helpful to making a better Filipino people nor a better Philippines. It is actually making people cry, angry, and more miserable in an already miserable country.

As a matter of fact, a number of young and potential leaders for the development of the country and suspected to be "communists' and members of the NPA had either been reported missing and worse died under conditions strongly suspected to have been perpetrated by government military forces. When will this government learn.

The military’s counterinsurgency program, Oplan Bantay Laya, continue to brand and terrorize human rights activists as “communist terrorists” which in fact have given way to cases of extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, illegal arrest, torture and illegal detention.

Conducted under sloppy circumstances, the health workers’ arrest was done without a valid search warrant as the arresting elements of the law blatantly ignored the rule of law which they in the first place should observe.

Reports say the victims were also subjected to torture-continuously interrogated while denied food and sleep, threatened bodily harm or beaten while blindfolded and handcuffed, and treated to indignities. Reports say they were also held incommunicado and denied visits by relatives, lawyers, physicians and human rights officials. And lately, the military’s defiance of a Supreme Court ruling that the detainees be produced in court.

All these on claims by the military that the health workers are members of the NPA. Where so, reports point out their sloppiness and intent to make it appear that the health workers are members of the NPA. The military must be running out of professionalism!

They are also running out of their duties to defend the people. As it is, the arrest and detention of the 43 health workers is stifling exercise of freedom and pursuit of humanity. Denying people of health services by arresting health workers is a crime of humanity in itself.

"It is precisely government’s neglect to provide basic services such as education and health that drove the health workers to serve poor communities. Now such State neglect becomes the crime of the health workers?” Longid asked.

The military better find other ways of making themselves relevant instead of picking on innocent civilians and branding them as NPAs.

Besides, if the health workers are NPAs, then they must be doing helpful service to the people to complement or answer to the gaps on health services the government should provide.

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