Belgium and the Philippines have a long standing and shared history of friendship and cooperation. No doubt the Cordillera Region is the one region in the Philippines which has the closest linkages with Belgium, thanks to the CICM Missionaries and ICM Missionary Sisters who arrived in the region more than a century ago.
These dedicated envoys have established several schools and institutions of higher education across the Cordilleras and contributed a lot to the development of the area.
I am proud of their achievements, as well as of those of Filipinos who are continuing their commitment to providing a quality education for the Cordillera youth.
Still today, Belgium’s activity in the Philippines has a special focus on the Cordillera Region. The Center for Development Programs in the Cordillera (CDPC) and the Belgian NGO Bevrijde Wereld have concluded a partnership for the implementation of agricultural development programs in several localities of the Cordillera, with the aim of improving the food security situation. They are supported in their endeavors by the Province of East-Flanders in Belgium and by the Federal Government of Belgium.
Another special focus area for Belgium –and also the European Union –is the human rights situation.
We are all deeply concerned about the recent killings of activists in the Cordillera Region. The Philippine authorities will no doubt investigate these crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice. Together with our partners from the European Union, Belgium will continue to invite the Philippine authorities to take additional measures in order to fight impunity.
While we come together to celebrate Cordillera Day, it is encouraging to see that more than 60 participants from different countries will get together on April 24-25 to have cultural exchanges and discuss about sustainable development and the rights of indigenous people.
On this Cordillera Day 2014 I wish all participants interesting presentations, fruitful workshops and lively discussions. Mabuhay !
Roland Van Remoortele
Ambassador