In a significant stride towards advancing the development of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), KSU President Dr. Eduardo T. Bagtang, together with other CAR-SUCs Presidents, convened a crucial meeting with Senator Loren Legarda at the Senate in Manila yesterday. The meeting aimed to discuss and seek possible funding for the proposed CAR-SUC projects—an outcome of their previous meeting with DBM Secretary Pangandaman held in Baguio City on April 26, 2023.
During the meeting, Senator Loren Legarda, known for her unwavering support for regional development, urged the Presidents of CAR-SUCs to submit comprehensive proposals for regional and institutional projects that would address the specific concerns of the Cordillera Administrative Region.
One of the notable proposals submitted was the regional proposal for the whole region to work on tilled "Innovative Coffee Productivity through Science and Technology in the Province of Kalinga" by the CAR-SUCs. This proposal aspires to establish a sustainable supply of high-quality coffee beans, utilizing science and technology innovations to drive progress within the communities of Cordillera.
Furthermore, Kalinga State University (KSU), through Pres. Bagtang presented its institutional proposal, "MATIPOY," which stands for "Masaganang Agrikultura through Indigenous Vegetable Production and Conservation Employing Organic Farming-Way of the Ykalinga." The project's objective is to provide a healthy community in the Cordillera Administrative Region with accessible, affordable, nutritious, and safe food options by conserving indigenous vegetables.
Senator Loren Legarda expressed her support and assured the Presidents of CAR-SUCs of her assistance in realizing their projects. She encouraged the SUCs to publish more books in both hard copies and digital formats, to be uploaded on their websites and Facebook pages, including the senator's Facebook page and website , fostering the dissemination of knowledge and information.
Furthermore, Senator Legarda highlighted her commitment to aiding the weavers of CAR through the Department of Labor and Employment's (DOLE) Kabuhayan program, with technical assistance to be provided by the SUCs. She also applauded KSU for their successful implementation of the Landslide Project, funded by her office with 5 million pesos.
Meanwhile, President Bagtang seized the opportunity to discuss the issue of Cordillera autonomy with Senator Robin Padilla. He emphasized the urgent need to file the bill in the Senate, and Senator Padilla pledged his commitment to adopting the bill previously filed in Congress.
Additionally, the CAR-SUCs Presidents paid a visit to the office of Senator Angara to express their gratitude for the inclusion of 1.3 million pesos in the 2023 budget for research and innovation.
The meeting concluded with a sense of optimism and renewed dedication to the progress and development of the Cordillera Administrative Region. With the unwavering support of Senator Loren Legarda and other key figures in the government, the CAR-SUCs Presidents remain determined to drive positive change and uplift the communities they serve.