by Vency D. Bulayungan

LAGAWE, Ifugao - Citing permanent identity as one of the best benefits that autonomy can give to Cordillerans, the provincial chief executive here enjoined his constituents to say "yes" to autonomy.

In an interview over the daily “PIA Hour” program aired in a community radio station here, Governor Eugene Balitang said one of the best reasons why Cordillerans should opt for autonomy is permanent identity.

“We had been clamoring for this opportunity in the past so we should not oppose it this time because we might not have any opportunity again in the future,” Balitang said.

With the on going information dissemination by the provincial advocacy team, Balitang said that the third organic act will be drafted before 2011 ends. “Actually, while we are conducting the information drive, we are also gathering inputs from the grassroots to be incorporated in the organic act to be drafted,” he said. All inputs will be submitted to the third autonomy act drafting committee by May 31.

Balitang averred that after conducting information campaign in the different towns which were clustered, the provincial advocacy team will conduct the same activity in the capital town and will also be participated by government officials and employees.

“We will involve our official families so they can also understand autonomy and may even add some inputs to be considered in the organic act, he added. (JDP/VDB-PIA CAR,Ifugao)