‘Cordillera's future must be shaped by its own people’ - Kalinga Vice-Governor Odiem

 Tabuk City, Kalinga – "The Cordillera has realities that should be reflected in how we are governed and how development is planned for our people," underscored Kalinga Vice-Governor Odiem during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s regular session on July 20, 2026.

With this message, Vice Governor Odiem renewed his call for Cordillerans to unite behind the long-standing pursuit of regional autonomy after leading the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Kalinga in adopting a resolution urging the swift passage of the proposed Cordillera Autonomy Bill.

Through Odiem's initiative, the Provincial Board unanimously approved Resolution No. 2026-295, formally expressing Kalinga's support for House Bill No. 6981, or the proposed "Act Establishing the Cordillera Autonomous Region."

According to a copy of the resolution obtained by Guru Press Cordillera from Board Member Christopher Donaal, the bill was jointly filed on December 18, 2025, by the congressional representatives of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Baguio City, together with Cordillera party-list representatives.

The proposed measure seeks to transform the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) into an autonomous region with greater authority over regional governance, development planning, natural resource management, and the protection of indigenous peoples and ancestral domains.

"Our realities deserve responsive governance"

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera, Odiem said autonomy is not merely about creating another layer of government but about ensuring that policies and development programs truly reflect the realities of the Cordillera.

"The Cordillera has realities that are different from other regions. Our communities are spread across mountainous and geographically isolated areas, while our indigenous identity, ancestral domains, and natural resources remain central to who we are. These are realities that should be reflected in how we are governed and how development is planned for our people. That is why I and the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan adopted this resolution," Odiem said.

He emphasized that the proposed autonomous government would provide a governance framework that is more responsive to the region's unique historical, cultural, social, geographical, and economic circumstances.

Kalinga seeks urgent action

Through the resolution, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan urged President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to certify House Bill No. 6981 as an urgent measure to speed up its passage in Congress.

The resolution states:

"...the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Kalinga hereby urgently urges His Excellency Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines, to certify as urgent House Bill No. 6981, entitled 'An Act Establishing the Cordillera Autonomous Region,' pursuant to Article VI, Section 26(2) of the Constitution, in order to accelerate its passage by Congress."

The Provincial Board likewise appealed to both the House of Representatives and the Senate to prioritize the proposed measure and its counterpart legislation.

Grounded on the Constitution

In adopting the resolution, the Provincial Board cited several provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, particularly Article X, Section 15 and Sections 18 to 21, which mandate Congress to enact an Organic Act for the Cordillera Autonomous Region and require its ratification through a regional plebiscite.

The resolution also cited Article VI, Section 26(2), which authorizes the President to certify a bill as urgent.

According to the resolution:

"...Article X, Sections 18 to 21 of the 1987 Constitution mandate Congress to enact an Organic Act for the autonomous region, define the structure and powers of the autonomous regional government, and provide that the creation of the autonomous region shall take effect upon approval by a majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite called for the purpose."

Preserving Cordillera identity

The resolution also highlighted the need to protect the Cordillera's indigenous communities, ancestral domains, and cultural heritage.

It recognized the close relationship of Indigenous Peoples with their ancestral lands and natural environment, describing regional autonomy as a framework for more responsive governance while preserving the Cordillera's unique identity.

The resolution further states:

"...to express the strong and unequivocal support of the Province of Kalinga for House Bill No. 6981, considering that its salient provisions on regional self-governance, natural resource control and supervision, preferential rights for Cordillerans, devolution of regional agencies, and development support for upland communities directly respond to the historical, cultural, social, and economic realities of Kalinga and the wider Cordillera."

"Let us work together"

While the Provincial Government has formally declared its support, Odiem stressed that the dream of autonomy can only become a reality if it is embraced by the people.

Even if Congress passes the proposed Organic Act, the creation of the Cordillera Autonomous Region will still depend on the approval of the people through a plebiscite.

Calling on iKalingas and all Cordillerans to stand together, Odiem appealed for unity and shared commitment to achieving a goal that has been pursued for decades.

"Agtitinulong tayo, kakailyan. Supportaan yo dakami nga leaders yo nga manggun-od daytoy nga arapaap tayo ta para met laeng ti pagsayaatan tayo amin, especially dagitoy sumarsaruno nga henerasyon," Odiem said.

He said the success of the autonomy movement will not depend solely on the efforts of leaders but on the collective support, understanding, and participation of every Cordilleran.