Republic of Bicol

In light of the controversial MILF MOA-AD and the subsequent demand of the Lumad people for another "autonomization," I am posting herewith an outline of a book I never got to finish writing. It was first posted in my first homepage in December 2001 (Find it here).

Towards an Autonomous and Independent Republic of Bicol

This treatise treats the prospect of an autonomous and independent republic of Bicol. Employing the successful establishment of the Republic Act 8438 or the Organic Act of Cordillera Autonomy and the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao as backdrops, it tackles the process and tasks as well as the possible problems in “autonomization.” The treatise is in toto based on the fact that Bicol region is self-sufficient in terms of resources, both natural and human. It has two gold mines – Paracale and Masbate, two geothermal plants – Tiwi and Bacman, with a possibility of a third – Irosin, which could easily generate dollars in terms of revenues. It has several tourist spots that can be readily developed, industries for export, etc.

And now may I add, we have the MILF MOA-AD and lessons from its historical development as very good models!