By Wilson J Hormeguera

The director of Xavier University - Governance and Leadership Institute (XU-GLI), Dr Dixon Yasay delivered the keynote address focusing on federalism and local autonomy during the Centrist Democratic Alliance (CDA) summit on “Democracy toward the Right to Self Determination” on February 6 at Mindy’s Restaurant, Cagayan de Oro City.

Dr Yasay shared about the historical perspective of Federalism Movement in the Philippines since the early 1980s initiated by political leaders coming from Mindanao. Given the century-old conflict in Mindanao and the economic condition of the island, Dr Yasay emphasized to seriously consider the constitutional amendment in order to pave the way for Federalism.

He pointed that bloodshed will be averted in Mindanao and extreme poverty experienced by Mindanaoans will “hopefully be addressed” if the structure of government from unitary to federal will be pushed through in Congress.

Yasay mentioned the “Proposed Timeline for Federal Philippines” offered by former University of the Philippines (UP) president Jose Abueva together with the Senate Resolution on Federalism filed by former Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr.

The Summit was participated in by various sectors in the region from media, church non-government organizations and local officials.

CDO Representative Rufus Rodriguez and Abamin Partylist Rep Max Rodriguez were present in the said event.