The Philippine Development Plan (PDP) and Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2017-2022 Roadshow Caravan went to the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and successfully promoted the PDP and RDP in Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Apayao, Mountain Province and Baguio City from July 8 to 14.
The Roadshow followed the route of the Cordillera Wide ‘Unity Gong Relay’, an annual activity every July to celebrate the region’s founding anniversary. For each stop, there were provincial celebrations that included the performance of native ritual, a formal program wherein leaders of the region or province delivers a speech, native song, dance and music cultural performances, among others. The provincial celebrations were well attended by provincial, municipal and barangay officials as well as indigenous people’s organization in the provinces and the general public.
During the provincial celebrations, the PDP banners were displayed in various places while brochures, shirts, umbrellas, caps and fans were distributed carrying the messages of the PDP and RDP namely, “Aksyon Para sa Ambisyon” and “Tayo Nang Abutin ang Ating Ambisyon”. Vehicles that were part of the Unity Gong Relay also carried PDP and RDP streamers and stickers.
Regional Director Milagros A. Rimando and Assistant Regional Director Jedidia L. Aquino of the NEDA CAR, spoke about the PDP and RDP 2017-2022 in their provincial sorties. In their speeches, they highlighted the three pillars of the Plan, namely “Malasakit, Pagbabago at Patuloy na Pag-unlad.” They also related the PDP and RDP to local plans and programs/projects as well as to the pursuit of regional autonomy in CAR.
The ‘Unity Gong Relay’ features the passing of the symbolic unity gong from one CAR province to another to drum beat the call for unity as a strategy to preserve Cordillera cultural heritage and for the people to work towards an Autonomous Region for the Cordillera.
The CAR was created last July 15, 1987 through Executive Order 220 signed by then President Corazon Aquino. This year is the region’s 30th year anniversary.
NEDA CAR
Photos by NEDA CAR