CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga (PIA) – Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) is fully supportive of the   move for the creation of the Autonomous Region of the Cordillera (ARC).

In his video message as keynote speaker during the Cordillera Autonomy Regional Summit and Launching of Signature Campaign for ARC on   October 17  in celebration of Indigenous People’s Month, Galvez said his office is behind the quest for genuine autonomy in the Cordillera region.

 It’s high time that the Cordillera people’s dream and aspiration for lasting peace and recognition of their fundamental rights be realized now, he said.

He added that he supports the desire of the Cordillera people for genuine peace and development through autonomy.

Galvez also expressed appreciation to the Kalinga State University (KSU) for its contribution to the cause for autonomy.

 KSU, as host of the event, has included education and information on autonomy and indigenous people’s rights to students.

 Meanwhile, Kalinga Congressman Allen Jesse C. Mangaoang rallied people of the province to support and sign the manifesto for the ARC.

 The manifesto, he said, will be presented to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr as appeal for him to consider House Bill 3267 that seeks to create the ARC as priority bill.

 HB 3267 authored by all Cordillera lawmakers has been re-filed and had passed the Committee level first reading in the House.

 Eduardo T. Bagtang, KSU President, expressing support to the autonomy movement sounded the voice of Kalinga with “One Cordillera: Mabuhay ang Indigenous People”. (JDP/LL-PIA CAR, Kalinga)