CAR Turns 33 Years Old; “July 15 Is Non-working Holiday”

July 13, 2020 JUST IN

BAGUIO CITY (July 13, 2020) — President Rodrigo Duterte has declared July 15 a special non-working holiday in the Cordillera Administrative Region in celebration of its 33^rd year founding anniversary.

“It is but fitting and proper that the people of CAR be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies,” so said the President in Proclamation No. 977 signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea by authority of Duterte.

Celebrations however, Malacanang said, will still be subject to community quarantine, social distancing and other public health measures.

The yearly “Gong Relay”, to demonstrate regional unity in the 6 provinces — Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mt. Province and two cities Tabuk and Baguio — was deferred to comply with quarantine rules.

CAR came about as a special region 33 years ago after then Pres. Corazon Aquino signed EO 220 bringing together the 6 provinces and two cities after the huge clamor for regional autonomy.

After the two failed plebiscites for a Cordillera Organic law, autonomy proponents including government leaders are still dreaming to install self-governance in the highland region via a third Organic Act still being discussed in the legislature.

Artemio A. Dumlao