By ALMA B. SINUMLAG
www.nordis.net

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — “We still have to grow politically, mature before attaining regional autonomy.”

This was the statement of Gloria Lee of Benguet State University (BSU) Faculty Club when asked about her stand on the regional autonomy on June 23 here.

“We cannot even properly impose the Local Government Code, now we are talking about regional autonomy,” she said.

She added that the concept is good, however if the local government units (LGUs) are only interested with the fund of the autonomy, it will not serve its real purpose.

Lee said she made some studies in the University of the Philippines (UP) regarding the past two organic acts that failed to be ratified by the people in two plebisites. The past organic acts she said did not really reflect what the Cordillera people want when it reached Congress. “It was watered down,” she iterated.

She further said that she would rather go for federalism type of government if the region have enough Income Generating Projects (IGPs).

On the other hand, Benguet State University (BSU) made some consultations on the regional autonomy in their National Service Training Program (NSTP).

The 3rd organic act which was formulated by the Technical Working committee chaired by Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan is set to be finished before the 15th Congress opens for them to file it when the said Congress starts.

On the other hand, some of the provinces in the region like Apayao are calling for more grassroots consultations regarding autonomy to know the needs and wants of the people in order for it to get the nod of the majority.

It can be recalled that the past organic acts were not able to get the Yes votes of the majority. # nordis.net