Regional Federalism Consultation Set in Baguio City on June 26

The Department of Interior and Local Government, in partnership with the Presidential Management Staff Regional Field Unit, will bring the Regional consultation on Federalism in this city June 26.

The roadshow is expected to be graced by members of the Consultative Commission (ConCom) that President Rodrigo Duterte formed to review the 1987 Philippine Constitution, as well as House of Representatives members and key personalities who support the push for the change to federal form of government.

Invited participants include local chief executives and representatives from civil society organizations, non-government organizations, people’s organizations, indigenous communities, cooperatives and professional groups from various parts of Cordillera.

The event will include a Town Hall meeting at the Crown Legacy Hotel that will be a venue for an interactive dialogue with ConCom commissioners and other federalism prime movers.

This will be followed by a regional consultation from 9:00AM-1:00 PM where the ConCom members will present the proposed Federal Constitution, and participants can give their inputs.

Another activity, the Regional Convention on Federalism, is set from 2:00 to 5:00Pm at the University of Baguio gymnasium. Speakers will talk about the Philippine Situationer (What is Wrong with the Unitary System?), The Need fo Federalism in the Philippines and Updates on the Recommendations of the Consultative Commission). The Feferalism Logo and Federalism Unity dance will also be launched.

The Federalism roadshow aims to gather public opinion, build public understanding and thrust towards the shift to federalism and at the same time strengthen regional stakeholder’s linkages and partnership.

The shift to federal form of government or the Federalism campaign is among the primary agenda of Pres. Duterte which aims to bring in more inclusive growth to every Filipino and community, especially in the far flung areas and to further improve the economic development of the country.

For the Federalism campaign, Duterte mandated the DILG to be the lead agency in studying, advocating and campaigning for the change in the form of government. (JDP/CCD with Joseph Zambrano-PIA CAR)