Hugpong organizes regional speakers bureau training

By Judys G. Cogo

Hugpong Federal Movement of the Philippines organized speakers bureau training and workshop on federalism road map from February 10-12, 2017.

The training was held at Agro Industrial Foundation College in Davao City.

Participants of this training are regional directors and regional speakers bureau from the 18 regions nationwide.

They took part in interactive segments focused on organizational development, communicating skill and understanding federalism France model.

Topics were designed to stimulate reflection on activity from different angles for every federal forum organized in the region and the sustainability of the regional level which strengthen the organization.

Throughout the three days, participants were encouraged to reflect on and formulate the best practices to promote federalism, where the present administration believes people equipped with intercultural dialogue can advance the cause.

Celso Tizon, national chairman, spoke on the objectives of the advocacy. He expressed belief that federalism may address inequitable development and cultural differences of the country.

Speaking on organizational strategy, Dr. Zuraida Comedoy said organizing the grassroots may lead to a strong organization.

She said the best way to promote federalism to the ground is a well-organized community.

Meanwhile, Vergilio dela Cruz, secretary general, present the board of trustees output.

Judys G. Cogo, region 9 director, gave the body an update on the activity in Zamboanga Peninsula and the status of the organization.

She said the movement in the region has not yet encounter any form of resistance on the promotion of the administration’s France model federalism. 

It may be recalled that Duterte had said federalism allows regions to keep most of their income.

 

“Regions with more resources to fuel their development is one promise federalism can deliver,” said Rodrigo Duterte during the campaign.

 

Their call for a federalist form of government was one aspect of their platform the pair highlighted when they campaigned in vote-rich provinces.

 

Concept of Jure Regalia

 

Elsewhere, Atty. Joel C.Obar, Hugpong national legal counsel, told participants that in federal form of government the state will have autonomy in the utilization of their natural resources which has the better chance to improve economy.

 

Obar said the state is given the capacity to own property which is enshrined in the past and present constitutions of the land that all lands of the public domain, water, minerals, coal, petroleum and other mineral oils and other natural resources are owned by the State.

 

Region or States can keep most of their income when they can draft their own economic policy context to their economic cultural orientation.

 

It may be recalled that with the exception of agricultural lands, all other natural resources shall not be alienated. The exploration, development, and utilization of natural resources shall be under the full control and supervision of the State.

 

The State may directly undertake such activities, or it may enter into co-production, joint venture, or production-sharing agreements with the citizens, or corporations or associations at least sixty per centum of whose capital is owned by such citizens.