February 16, 2024| Benguet State University (BSU) hosted the Cordillera Autonomy Summit and Youth Fora at the Gymnasium. The event, participated by BSU students, is in line with the Cordillera Regional Development Council’s (RDC) Information, Education and Communications Campaign in the pursuit of Cordillera autonomy.
 

The event was attended by Victor Eugene S. Caccam, Supervising Economic Development Specialist of NEDA-CAR; Yuri Weygan, team leader of Social Preparation of CAR; Menzi Cuengan, representative of CHED-CAR; Mario M. Baucas Jr., representative of Benguet Gov. Melchor D. Diclas; Hon. Edwin Nitron, Vice Mayor of Kibungan; Satur Paciteng, executive assistant of LGU Mankayan; and Felipe Salaing Comila, BSU President.
 

Senator Robin Padilla, Apayao Governor Hon. Elias K. Bulut, and Benguet Municipal Mayors, including Hon. Cesar Molitas of Kibungan, Hon. Romeo K. Salda of La Trinidad, Bernard S. Waclin of Itogon and Hon. Dario S. Banario of Mankayan, also delivered their messages and expressed support to the quest for Cordillera autonomy through video messages.
 

The IEC campaign continued in the afternoon with the presentation of the IEC module elaborated by Francis Likigan. The 2023 Cordillera Autonomy Youth Ambassador, Jan Marveeno Palispis also discussed the topic “Regional Autonomy: What’s in it for the Youth?” Both speakers defined autonomy and its advantages, including education, and others. The participants, as youth, were also asked how to participate in the Cordillera autonomy advocacy.
 

This was followed by an open forum where students’ seeking clarifications regarding the Cordillera autonomy campaign, its relevance and implications were entertained.
 

The activity was highlighted with the signing of the manifesto in support of the Cordillera autonomy and a mock plebiscite.//EBawayan