THE Hugpong Federal Movement of the Philippines (HFMP) is set to host the 1st National Convention on Federalism on Sept. 9–10 at the Negros Oriental Convention Center.
Lawyer Joel Obar, the lead convenor, said in a local coordination meeting that President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to grace the opening ceremony.
The convention focusing on the theme “Isulong ang Federalismo para sa Tunay na Pagbabago” will gather more than 2,000 delegates from all over the country. Participants include members of the HFMP all over the country, walk-in delegates, local government officials and guests who are interested to know about federalism.
On September 8, a motorcade will be held in the afternoon with volunteer-delegates. Obar said the convention will start with a registration in the morning of September 9, followed by the program at 1 p.m. where Duterte is expected to deliver the keynote speech.
The program will be opened with ecumenical prayer followed by the opening remarks of Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Remollo and a welcome message by Gov. Roel Degamo.
The convention proper will present the following topics: Difference between Unitary System and Federal System of government by former senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr.; The Social Benefits of Federal System of Government by Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol; Onward Sectoral Direction by Leoncio “June” Evasco; The Advantages of Federal System towards Local Government Units by Interior Secretary Ismael Sueño.
On September 10, the participants will do the workshop with main questions such as “How to bring Federalism to the grassroots?” and “How to prepare for the Constitutional Convention?”