Press Release
February 11, 2012

KOKO PIMENTEL FILES BILL CREATING THE CORDILLERA
AUTONOMOUS REGION

Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III has filed Senate Bill No. 3115 calling for the creation of the Cordillera Autonomous Region.

Pimentel said the bill is in fulfillment of the constitution's mandate to recognize the unique norms, cultural heritage, values and vision of the people of the Cordilleras through the grant of regional autonomy.

The Cordillera Autonomous Region will be composed of provinces, cities, and municipalities who vote to be included in the autonomous region in a plebiscite.

Pimentel said that the Cordillera Autonomous Region seeks to promote the welfare and interests of the people living in the Cordillera who share common and distinctive historical and cultural heritage, economic and social structures and other relevant characteristics within the framework of the Constitution.

"Regional autonomy is the most effective option to pursue sustainable development," Pimentel said.

The grant of regional autonomy and devolved powers, hopes to address important issues on effective management and use of natural resources and how the people in the region should benefit from it," Pimentel stressed.

Attaining regional autonomy in the Cordilleras will also bring to the national attention the benefits of promoting and accepting cultural diversity, Pimentel explained.

The enactment of the bill creating the Cordillera Autonomous Region, will ensure that the region's economic growth strategy will result in improved quality of life of the people in the Cordilleras, Pimentel said.

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