The DILG, having been tasked by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to lead the advocacy campaign towards the shift to federal form of government, is conducting federalism roadshows nationwide.

Four (4) members of the Consultative Committee, Atty. Susan Ubalde-Ordinario, Atty. Ferdinand Bocobo, Atty. Randolph Parcasio, and Prof. Eddie Alih, shed light on the concerns about federalism that are singular only in region XII.

The Roadshow started with a Media Forum on the 29th of October 2018, held at the Microtel, General Santos City. This was attended by media personalities from different radio stations and media outfits within the region.

On the 30th, the day began early with three (3) Members of the ConCom guesting the morning show “Magandang Umaga South Central Mindanao” of ABS-CBN at 6:30 in the morning. A Town Hall Meeting ensued at 9:00 AM which was held at ESMA Convention, Brgy. Cannery, Polomolok, South Cotabato. At 1:00 in the afternoon, the Federalism Convention was successfully executed with around 9,000 attendees. The said event was attended by Governors, LCEs, LGU Officials, Brgy. And SK Officials, representatives of National Government Agencies, DILG family, students, partner CSOs, and the general public.

With the big crowd in a gym, a Security Briefing was presented by PSUPT. Jose Mari Simangan, COP of Polomolok PNP and at the same time the Incident Commander. It was followed by the preliminaries and the Welcome Remarks by Hon. Honey Lumayag-Matti, Municipal Mayor of Polomolok.

The four (4) members of the ConCom took turns in convincing the people of the benefits of federalism. Afterwards, Gov. Daisy P. Avance-Fuentes, Gov. Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza, Gov. Pax Mangudadatu, Hon. Dulia Sultan, Hon. Dong Mangudadatu, and Hon. Antonio B. Octavio gave a series of inspirational messages and pledges of commitment.

It was capped with a signing of manifesto of support with Pastor Macaspac rendering his masterpiece, “Federalismo para sa Pagbabago”.