The Cordillera Regional Development Council (RDC-CAR) once again provided the opportunity for the youth to be the voice of the region’s autonomy advocacy through the Search for Mr. and Ms. Cordillera Autonomy Youth Ambassadors (CAYA). This aims to increase youth sector participation and encourage their involvement in the advocacy considering that the large portion of registered voters come from the youth sector.
The Pre-search for the Mr. and Ms. CAYA 2023 was conducted last July 1, 2023, at SM City Baguio as part of the kick-off ceremony.
The 14 youth ambassadors represented the Provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and the City of Baguio. They showcased their local attires, talents, and eloquence through a casual interview that focused on regional autonomy, its advantages and the role of the youth in the information campaign.
The panel of judges was composed of Mr. Wilnard Laguna, winner of various singing competitions and the 1st placer in the La Union Got Talent, CHED-CAR Dir. Demetrio P. Anduyan, Atty. Brenden Kim J. Quintos of the DOT-CAR and Ms. Helen Pavo, SM Store Branch Manager. The NCIP cultural dancers and the PROCOR Band entertained the crowd. Mr. Beau Macliing of PLGU-Mountain Province served as the host.
The RDC collaborated with the Department of Tourism-CAR for the event while SM City Baguio served as the event venue partner.
The main Search is scheduled on July 14, 2023 in Luna, Apayao. The various events for the month-long celebration ring the message of “Celebrating One, Resilient, Diverse, and Inclusive (CORDI) Journey Toward Regional Autonomy”.
By: Jose V. Costales, Jr./NEDA, DRD