The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga spearheaded the Federalism Roadshow – a series of public education and awareness activities -  in the region last September 5-6, 2018 in Butuan City.

It kicked-off with a live radio guesting of Prof. Eddie Alih,  Atty. Ferdinand M. Bocobo, and former Secretary Gary B. Olivar, Commissioners and Technical Working Group (TWG) member, respectively, of the Consultative Committee to review the 1987 Constitution, at Bombo Hanay and RMN Butuan in the morning of September 5.  This was followed by a Media Forum in the afternoon where they gave brief talks on the basic concept, structure, and reforms of Federalism before addressing the questions and concerns raised by media personalities of the region. DILG XIII Regional Director Lilibeth A. Famacion in her opening message, stressed the relevance of the activity and encouraged the media members present to grab the opportunity to ask questions as the speakers are in the best position to clarify things.

               On September 6, a Town Hall Meeting was held at Grand Palace Hotel with the Local Chief Executives and other elected officials of the region, representatives of basic sectors, civil society organizations, and Indigenous Peoples representatives. Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente C. Lagnada was among the first to raise queries during the open forum when he raised concerns that poorer regions like Caraga might not be ready for the transition yet.

               The roadshow culminated with a well-attended Federalism Convention and Rally at the Agusan del Norte Provincial Covered Court. The more than 2,000 strong crowd listened to the talks of the three guests who were joined by Atty. Randolph Parcasio, DILG XIII RD Famacion, and DILG Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Martin B. Diño at the presidential table. The audience, many of whom were barangay officials, gave a thunderous applause when USEC Diño made mention of the Magna Carta for Barangays which he said will be given primary attention  when the country transitions to a federal form of government.

               For the finale, a covenant signing made the roadshow more momentous. 

 

By LGOO V - Emmylou P. Burias