BAGUIO CITY, July 22 -- Regional autonomy would enable the Cordillera to implement infrastructure and social service programs better suited to its mountainous terrain, cultural practices and development priorities, officials said Wednesday.

During a "Kapihan" forum hosted by the Cordillera Regional Development Council (RDC) as part of the region's founding anniversary celebration, officials from the Departments of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said regional planning under an autonomous government would result in faster, more responsive and culturally appropriate programs.

DSWD-Cordillera Regional Director Enrique Gascon said autonomy would allow the region to design and implement programs bas...