BAGUIO CITY (PIA) - - Cordillera weaves  took the centerstage   at the SM City Baguio Atrium here   on July 1   as the candidates for the Mr. and Ms. Cordillera Autonomy Youth Ambassadors showcased  the different weaves of the provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mountain Province in a fashion show.  

 The candidates’ weave - inspired apparels  are creations of  Department of Science and Technology   – assisted Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises   as the development of the Cordillera weaving industry is   among the goal of the Regional Development Plan 2023 - 2028.

Youth Ambassadors  candidates  for  Abra - RJ Sean Maverick Claustro and Almie Jane Paned modelled the  creations by  the Namarabar Indigo Natural Dye Producers Cooperative of Peñarubia Abra;  Apayao’s  Eddiemar Pacis and Jazreal Jamila Enciso by DJ’s Fashion Boutique of Luna, Apayao; Kalinga’s Godwin Bomosao and Angelina Lhodievin Dupaya  by Kalinga Indigenous Weaver’s Association (KINWA) Etnika Handicrafts of Bulanao Tabuk City; Mountain Province’s  Ran Jyle Dulay and Mary Jean Bugnosen  by Rose Ann’s Fabric Gallery a.k.a Sagada Kindasan of Sagada.  Ifugao Nations  designed for  Ephyrl Jan Tapyogan and Marvie Michelle Mitchell of Ifugao.

Bina’s Weaving of Quirino Hill Baguio City  designed the apparels  of Jan Marveeno Palispis and Angelika Josierry Servinas  of  Baguio City and  Arnel Labisa and Kristine Dilao of Benguet.

The search for Mr. and Ms. Cordillera Autonomy Youth Ambassadors is part of the Cordillera Month celebration. Aside from engaging young people to showcase the region’s diverse culture and rich heritage, they are also encouraged  to be in the forefront of promoting regional autonomy which is an overarching development goal.

During their official presentation, they gave their pitches  for autonomy.

The final competition and coronation night for the Cordillera Autonomy Youth Ambassadors is set on July 14 in Luna, Apayao as a prelude activity for the July 15 Cordillera Day regional celebration to  be hosted by Apayao.

The 36th Cordillera Month celebration  formally opened last July 1 with a traditional ritual at the Ibaloy Park and a kick – off program at the University of Baguio gymnasium.

The Cordillera Administrative Region  was created under Executive Order 220 signed by the President Corazon C. Aquino  on July 15, 1997. It  constitutionally mandated that CAR can become an autonomous region through the enactment of a bill and affirmed by the people  in the Cordillera  through a plebiscite. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)