LA TRINIDAD, July 16 -- Officials of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) on Wednesday expressed support for the Cordillera's pursuit of regional autonomy, saying it should translate into better livelihoods, stronger local institutions and sustained economic growth.

Speaking during the 39th Cordillera Day anniversary celebration at the Wangal Sports Complex, DILG Undersecretary Marlo Iringan said the region should focus on building an autonomy that delivers concrete benefits to its people.

"The question is not simply, 'Are we ready for autonomy?' The question is, 'What kind of autonomy are we preparing to build?'" Iringan said.

He said autonomy shoul...