“This should be known by the public… kanayon maudi ti Cordillera. Kasapulan tayo nga talaga daytoy”: Gov. Edduba says autonomy key to ending delays in regional development

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Governor James S. Edduba renewed his call for Cordillera autonomy, saying the region's long history of delayed government projects demonstrates why greater self-governance is needed to accelerate development.

Speaking during the Provincial Government of Kalinga's flag-raising ceremony on July 6, Edduba said many people still do not fully understand the importance of regional autonomy and urged those who do to help educate the public about its significance.

"Iti kaadwan na ngamin, haan da ngay nga makita jay kinaimportansya daytoy regional autonomy. But those who are aware nga kasapulan tayo nga talaga, ket this should be known by the public," he said.

Edduba said the concern is not new, recalling that even during his time as mayor, he repeatedly noticed that government projects intended for the Cordillera were often implemented later than those in other regions.

"Idi pay lang mayor nak idi, every time nga adda iti meeting iti local chief executive, kanayon nga makitak nga amin nga national line agency projects, maudi ti Cordillera," he said.

According to the governor, these recurring delays reflect a deeper issue in the way development is managed. He explained that many decisions affecting the Cordillera are made outside the region, often slowing the implementation of projects and programs intended for local communities.

Edduba said this is one of the reasons Cordillera leaders continue to advocate for regional autonomy. He explained that greater self-governance would allow local officials to exercise more authority in setting development priorities, planning projects, and responding more quickly to the needs of their constituents.

In his talk, he also clarified that autonomy does not mean separation from the national government. Rather, it seeks to empower the Cordillera to manage its own development while remaining an integral part of the Philippines.

The governor likewise called on fellow Cordillera leaders to remain united in advancing the region's long-standing aspiration for autonomy, emphasizing that collective action is essential to move the campaign forward.

The Cordillera has remained an administrative region since its creation in 1987 through Executive Order No. 220. Under the 1987 Constitution, a Cordillera Autonomous Region may be established through an Organic Act passed by Congress and ratified by the people in a plebiscite.

Supporters of autonomy believe it would give the region greater authority over planning, budgeting, infrastructure development, the protection of ancestral domains, and the preservation of indigenous culture. They also argue that decisions made within the region could help reduce delays in government projects and allow development programs to better respond to the unique needs of Cordillera communities.