By Anthony A. Araos
Apart from the beauty and splendor of Mun-alajah Falls and Bongan Rice Terraces, both in Mayoyao town, there is something else to see and appreciate in these two places. Both are blessed with very rich biodiversity.
Thus, it would be unfair to analyze these sites per se on their actual configurations alone.
There is the pressing need to strengthen the education campaign, community building and networking for the protection and conservation of the wildlife, biodiversity and landscape on these areas. We must strive for and continue the determination and efforts for ecological and natural resources protection and conservation.
You’ll be defined by what you say regarding environmental protection, whether you’re a local or foreign tourist.
Put on a brave smile and move forward. One must venture into these sites. Undoubtedly, Mun-aljah Falls and Bongan Rice Terraces offer a perfect destination for adventurists.
Tourists- for instance, one from Calamba, Laguna or Tokyo, Japan, visitors and all others may now take the all-paved, all-weather and concrete Banaue to Mayoyao Road. So getting there is not difficult. With an hour and a half trip by van from Banaue (or three hours from Lagawe), going there for a two or three day stay makes a lot of sense. The meaningful payoff will be numerous panoramic views along the way. Do not be dissuaded by the remoteness, to both the adventure and fun. Mayoyao is truly a paradise. It is not oftenly described as a “hidden Shangrila” in this part of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) for nothing. You’ve got to take my word for it.
Mayoyao’s revitalization is the result of officials, led by Mayor Ronie Lumayna and Vice Mayor Jimmy Padchanan, working together to harness its people, invigorate villages and communities and develop its industries.
Now, outsiders are seeing Mayoyao in a new and better light. Soon, Mayoyao folks are to reap huge dividends from attracting local and foreign visitors to its rich natural wonders. In turn, this could set the town apart from the rest of the province.
A rapid growth and improvement of facilities and crafting a new tourism masterplan shall surely create new opportunities for investors and accelerating the modernization of the town.
It is, of course, still hard to say exactly how the “betterment” of the people and its place will evolve and who will be first to take advantage of this development. What is certain is that it is going to happen.
Mayoyao boosts a population of about 14,000 people, of over a half of them are into farming. It is an educational center in the second district of Ifugao with 26 public elementary and high schools, bannered by Assumption Academy. It is one of the five high schools operated by the Catholic Church in Ifugao.
I would rate this town at seven out of 10. I strongly recommend a visit to Mayoyao with your loved ones or friends this December during the Christmas season.
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There are three things to remember if you want to really attain women empowerment in the decision-making process. For one, understand deeply the needs and wants of women. This is precisely the reason why developing focused communication campaign based on their socio-economic profiles is important. Secondly, staying relevant in crafting laws for them is just as vital. Thus, engaging the young and old alike in taking place actively to feel their pulses is inevitable. Thirdly, putting into office more women legislators matters. In Mayoyao, the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) has three of them. They are Councilors Yolanda Allaga, Rosita Haguiling and Joan Sheelah Nalliw, a lawyer and also the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR). It is hoped and prayed that there is a marked increase of women SB members in Mayoyao by 2019. Changes in “one more woman Councilor” do not matter.
Is information about opportunities for women to serve in the SBs readily available in the other ten towns of Ifugao?
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I am keen to help in transforming Mayoyao as the next tourism hub in Ifugao. Improvement of facilities is very important. This will provide an excellent opportunity to raise revenues for the municipal government and generate jobs for its residents.
Mayoyao is now ideally positioned to become the economic engine of Ifugao as part of the plans of Vice Mayor Padchanan. At the same time, this will boost the domestic economy and expand trading routes, particularly that of Mayoyao to Santiago City in Isabela province.
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It looks like Vice Mayor Padchanan is headed to tackle bigger challenges in 2019 and beyond. Mayoyao’s incomparable presiding officer of the SB has taken a bigger-than-life turn in answering the clarion call to serve his constituents. He continues to deliver solid performances. Frankly speaking, he deserves a much-needed promotion. Mayor Lumayna is reportedly is not seeking any position in 2019.
It is such a blessing that I befriended him a few years back in Lagawe. His vision is to make every Mayoyao resident feel and enjoy the benefits of development. Happily, there is also a growing support from farmers, teachers, women, elderly and barangay government officials in his bid for a higher position in the 2019 midterm polls. It is my sincere wish that Vice Mayor Padchanan be showered with more blessings by the Almighty Creator. To Vice Mayor Padchanan: If you set your sights in the line with the rest of the province, fulfilling the dream of a prosperous future is definitely well within reach. God bless and Mabuhay!
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I am highly optimistic that the fruit of hard work and dedication of Mayor Lumayna will be put to good use by the next mayor of Mayoyao.
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Mayoyao SB members should not be satisfied with their significant gains to governance but they should continue introducing the appropriate innovations that will help bring the town to greater heights in the future. I see no reason why Mayoyao can’t be acknowledged as an excellently performing Local Government Unit. It deserves- just like Asipulo, Banaue and Lamut to be conferred the Seal of Good Local Governance, the highest recognition given by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). They should exhibit a can-do mentality to achieve this noteworthy objective. Great things start from positive thinking!
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It’s always a good time to be grateful. Thus, I’m most thankful to the following people during my recent stay in Mayoyao: Mayor Ronnie Lumayna, Vice Mayor Jimmy Padchanan, Poblacion Punong Barangay Ben Bullan Jr. and SB Secretary Generous Dacsig.
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I find it unthinkable and abhorrent to think that Banhal and Mongol villages have been classified as poorest barangays in Mayoyao. You must know why an emergency stimulus assistance program for the most underserved villages is essential. It is high time that subsidies be given to farmers of these two villages. To make it more responsive to their needs, the program should also offer a constructive path to gainful employment towards a meaningful future. Surely you can pick it up from there.
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The capital town of Lagawe is no longer allowing the use of plastics in the public market, flea market and business establishments. Good, but not good enough! Most residents are still unaware or not knowledgeable of the provisions of the law on solid waste disposal. I asked 300 folks in the main villages of Poblacion East, North, South and West on this matter. The result of my survey: 42 said they are knowledgeable; 190 replied they don’t have any knowledge of it; and 68 of them have no answers at all. Meaning, only a few of them have basic information about the law.
Now you may ask, is it still possible to make a turnaround in Lagawe. Maybe, yes. Hopefully, so! For starters, why not educate Lagawe folks on the fundamentals of recycling. Approximately two-thirds of their household waste can be composted. Kitchen waste can be turned into compost, or “Vermipost” (composting with worms). This is used as a nutritious and organic fertilizer for vegetables and flower gardens. There are so many ways to reuse and recycle what we consider as “waste.”
Open burning of garbage is also not allowed by law. Yet, it is rampant in Lagawe. Proper garbage disposal and waste management is not that complicated. It is simply a matter of common sense. By doing so, Lagawe would be a cleaner and greener place. It is extremely hard to repair the damage these misguided, lowly-educated and hard-headed folks have inflicted upon the air of Lagawe. Just think of the air pollution problem. To my mind, as the stewards of the environment, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials should be active advocates of protecting the environment. Many Lagawe folks grew up thinking the earth is theirs to use without limits, without any responsibility over it. They should change their mindscape!
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I could not imagine the difficulties of not maintaining a healthy life in these difficult times. Why is it so? I am one with the call for each one to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It saddens me to think about the ill-effects of too much intake of soft drinks. I am one of the erring and guilty parties. So I learned about CMD (Cell Mineral Drops) from Mary Ann Paggadut, a business owner from Hingyon and operator of a business establishment in Lagawe. I learned that it is useful against heart ailment, migraine and infertility. I felt how Mrs. Paggadut gave importance to health. Today, CMD is a life-changing item to a number of people.
This is the time for one to have a body analyzer and check- up as well as cell mineral eye drops. All for free! My closest friends in Quezon City only have none of my fears on soft drinks because to my buddies, Coke or Pepsi must be good and tempting at all times. I’d rather still enjoy a few glasses of soft drinks this time around. Why take the fun of a good bill of health I got when I can still drink a glass of soft drink once a week? I’ll cut down on it, promise gradually!
Health-conscious Filipinos should get plenty of rest, drink enough water and treat pain and other discomforts with CMD.
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A tip for success: Always go full speed ahead when striving for success. Don’t hesitate even for a second. In business, when financial aspects are excellent, then go for it. Even if there are problems at hand, find the solutions and be able to handle work in an orderly manner.
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Blooper in Ifugao: I saw this sign at a van in Lagawe: “London Bridge is falling up.” Don’t ever spice your life with some ridiculous thoughts. You’re simply passing to others the wrong information. If you’re a teacher, you have no business molding the minds of the young. Strange creatures many times frolic the province. The Department of Education must take the responsibility of addressing this problem.
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For our food delights corner: a dish-tinguished Philippine food item this rainy season is sinigang na hipon (shrimps), fried lumpia, grilled pork chop, rice and served with achara. For appetizers and dessert: puto, sliced papaya and chilled pineapple juice.
Now I underscored the importance of preparing sauces and basses in cooking all-time favorites of most Filipinos because of their fondness for the same. These days always look for the value of money in preparing the meals. When all is said and done, don’t forget to pray for the blessings at the table
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Finally, some thoughts for our readers: “I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare.” Philippians 2:20
“The move to change the form of government to federalism appeared to have little or no chance of winning since most Filipinos were not aware about it and its benefits.” Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go
“It is better to be solidly remembered than nobly born.” philantrophist John Puskin**
