Baguio city: The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DA-CAR) announced that transforming the Cordillera region into an autonomous entity could significantly enhance its specialized agricultural output and facilitate the implementation of tailored agricultural plans and programs. "With autonomy, we can design programs for Cordillera farms not adopted from somewhere else - programs that are more appropriate and effective for us," stated DA-CAR Regional Director Lawyer Jennilyn Dawayan during a recent discussion at the Kapihan of the agricultural sector committee of the Regional Development Council (RDC).
According to Philippines News Agency, the Cordillera region is marking its 39th year as an administrative region, continuing its pursuit of autonomous status. Dawayan emphasized that while the agriculture sector abides by numerous policies, most are designed for lower elevation areas. "We adopt them because they are policies, but agriculture in the Cordillera is unique - the terrain is different. That is why when our officials visit the farms, they are surprised at how difficult food production is. We have different crops too. Even farming practices are different," she explained.
Dawayan highlighted that existing farming machinery is typically suited for expansive, flat farmlands, which are not characteristic of the Cordillera's mountainous terrains. "Most of our farms are on mountain slopes, and the machines cannot be carried; they are also inapplicable as we have small farmlands," she noted.
The director also addressed the national agriculture office's focus on rice and corn, stating, "We have less rice production, and the basis for support is quantity, which is why we do not get to have lots of programs and projects." In the region, rice is predominantly produced in Lower Kalinga towns and Apayao. While Upper Kalinga, Mountain Province, Benguet, and Ifugao also cultivate rice, these heirloom varieties are largely reserved for home consumption, special occasions, and producing rice wine for native rituals.
Furthermore, Dawayan pointed out the production of strawberries in Benguet, parts of Bauko, Mountain Province, and Baguio City, which are recognized as high-value crops but are not incorporated into the national program. "It is just us who have it, which is why there is no national support. But if we are an autonomous region, we can decide to put it among our priorities and provide funds to improve productivity and marketing," she stated.
Dr. Cameron Odsey, a former DA-CAR regional director and an advocate for autonomy, remarked, "Nobody understands our systems but us because they are time-tested systems. With local decision-making, we do not just preserve part of our culture but incorporate farming practices to have better food production yield." Odsey advocated for the realization of autonomy to ensure that the region's unique farming practices are integrated into development plans, enabling more focused efforts and solutions tailored to the region's landscape.
Odsey mentioned that House Bill 6981, co-authored by seven Cordillera representatives and two party-list representatives from the region, was filed on December 18, 2025. "We have set a roadmap and are targeting to have the plebiscite together with the 2028 election," he added.
The Cordillera was established as an administrative region through Executive Order 220 by then-President Corazon Aquino, preparing it for autonomous status by grouping contiguous provinces with similar Indigenous cultures. The region, along with Bangsamoro, is one of two in the country designated in the Constitution to become autonomous.
