By Anthony A. Araos
BREAKING NEWS! Tinoc Vice Mayor Fernando Gapuz, who went missing for seven days, was found on July 25 in Quezon City. Pastor Gapuz was last seen in Buguias, |Benguet. Reports are still sketchy as to what really happened to him. Thank God – he is alive and safe!
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Learn, meet new friends, have fun and enjoy!
This is what Mayoyao “education tourism” is all about. It is the ultimate learning and sharing experience with a trip to this town’s educational institutions. Both public and private schools here have an impact in boosting the “education tourism.”
For instance, visiting the Assumption Academy provides the tourist great lessons on the Filipino’s mood in educating the young in a conducive environment. Local and foreign tourists should take this action in order to understand more the country’s educational system. And see and understand the marked differences in publicly and privately-operated schools in the Philippines. Discover the truth that “education tourism” is beneficial to the nation’s economy.
A popular notion among Filipinos is that “education tourism” is unnecessary because all one has to do is just visit the rice terraces or waterfalls in Mayoyao to know more of the town. In this regard, Department of Tourism (DOT) officials note that principals, school heads, teachers and students are important players in the tourism industry. In other places in the Philippines, tourists carefully photographed each aspect of life in a school they visited. The result is a great learning experience. I can see a very good reason to support the move of the DOT for a strong push of “education tourism.”
Learning comes together and “education tourism” is made in a similar matter.
It is obvious that attitude of students in a privately-operated high schools as Assumption Academy must have been immeasurable at the town proper where the setting as a matter of discerning knowledge: adjures the young learner whom the government has planned to develop his or her potentials to the fullest.
Tourists from Europe, or those young trekkers from Metro Manila, may well ask, why if we visit a public elementary school in a far-flung barangay in Mayoyao and compare its conditions with Assumption Academy? While you’re there, be sure to take a closer look at the facilities. This revealing experience will certainly help you understand the situation in rural Philippines, giving you a perspective you won’t find anywhere else in a developed country- the perspective of underdevelopment in a Third World country despite its richness of natural resources. Feel free to download all these to your own computer or laptop so you can study them in depth.
I many times wish that more funds and attention are given by the provincial government on public schools in distant villages of Mayoyao. The other side of culturally rich town of Mayoyao is the numerous stories of hardworking and dedicated but underpaid teachers amidst the fascinating natural surroundings.
Evidently, Mayoyao pupils and students deserve skilled teachers and high-standard of facilities to house them.
It is unlikely, therefore, to take lightly the benefits or gains being derived by the government on “education tourism.” Indeed, there is so much to be seen in Mayoyao’s schools, many of which are situated in remote villages. Public elementary and high schools in Mayoyao largely provide panoramic views of the countryside.
Whether the tourist opts for a private or public high school to visit, the common trait remains and is undisputed. The beauty of Mayoyao is apparent no matter the angle of your camera takes.
Today, there is an ongoing resurgence of interest on “education tourism” in the Philippines. This is good for Mayoyao and its people.
Discover a vast wealth of information through “education tourism.” A trip to Mayoyao shall surely help share this message of hope with others.
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I once more congratulate Mayor Jimmy Padchanan Jr. for his success during the May 13, 2019 midterm polls. More so and importantly, for his interest to serve the people with the enduring passion to uplift their conditions.
Mayor Padchanan has been supporting creative solutions to development needs in Mayoyao to achieve positive social and economic development. Across sectors, Mayor Padchanan stands firm to accelerate efforts that are facilitative and supportive of sustainable human and socio-economic development at the grassroots level.
There’s much more to the support of the vice mayor and members of the Sangguniuang Bayan than watching a sunrise on an early morning, probably with folks just watching on the sidelines. All that the development programs and projects needs is the will to keep them going and the support of everyone.
The subtle challenge of leadership—of strong leadership—asks: Can Mayor Padchanan do it without the all-out support of all sectors in Mayoyao? The answer is so obvious.
Mayoyao folks are able to engage with their officials if they see there is a thrust from the Padchanan administration to improve the town’s infrastructure on agriculture and tourism. Infrastructure is defined as the basic facilities, services and installations needed for the functioning of a community or society such as buildings, transportation system and irrigation system.
Yes, yes, yes and yes. Lack of support from the congressman and governor in the past made it impossible for then Mayor Ronnie Lumayna to implement a number of noteworthy projects in Mayoyao. The victories of Rep. Solomon Chungalao and Governor Jerry Dalipog in the last polls could propel a brighter future for Mayoyao along a new path.
If realized, what we’re going to see going forward is better times for Mayoyao. This early, there is a growing sense of accomplishing tasks in the way Mayor Jimmy Padchanan is approaching problems and challenges at hand.
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Talking of early Christmas gifts, may I recommend Ifugao-made produce for purchase by early-bird shoppers. There is wisdom in buying banana chips from Mayoyao. I truly enjoyed eating some of them at the office of Vice Governor Glenn Prudenciano. These delicious chips came all the way from Barangay Nattum, a remote village of Mayoyao. Mayoyao’s cool weather and tranquil environment provides a visitor perfect setting to get a taste of the “ultimate” bananas chips. If there’s a Longganisa Festival in Guinobatan, Albay, I see no reason why Mayoyao can’t have a Banana Festival. Second option is to hold a Rambutan Festival. Bananas and rambutan should be Mayoyao’s top-buys. Nobody can beat these offers!
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Dinagat Island board member Wenefredo Olobernes was shot dead last July 8 in Surigao City. There was no reaction from any of the Ifugao board members. Usually, a board member should raise his or her voice on the senseless violence committed on a colleague, if possible through a resolution condemning in the strongest possible terms the killing of Board Member Olobernes. It is difficult to understand the Ifugao board members’ silence.
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Banaue Councilor Chester Bahatan is a staunch environment advocate, as seen on his push to safeguard the town’s natural landscape. Presently. He is the chairman of the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agrarian Reform. He is also the vice chairman of the Committee on Agriculture. Once more, I’m commending Councilor Bahatan for his selfless performance of his duty as a legislator.
While keeping his public service career, Bahatan also chose to engage in agriculture, particularly in tea production.
He served two terms as a member of the Sangguniang Bayan, and then successfully ran for his third and last term in this year’s midterm elections. So what can Banaue folks expect to learn from the exemplary performance of Councilor Bahatan? The narrative of Mr. Bahatan’s continuing success entails remarkable, indeed meaningful, strides of a humble, dedicated and hardworking public servant. I’m so impressed of his work ethic.
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In 2015, about 24,000 New Zealanders traveled to the Philippines and more than 17,000 Filipinos visited New Zealand. Most Filipinos went there to work or study. Some migrants are from Ifugao. However, only a few Kiwis went to Ifugao. This only reflected the dismal record of Ifugao’s tourism industry for so many years.
Kiwis should be visiting the scenic towns of Asipulo, Banaue, Kiangan and Mayoyao. A new tourism masterplan is badly needed by the provincial government. It makes no sense at all for Governor Jerry Dalipog to continue adhering to an obsolete one. There’s a rather simple way to invigorate Ifugao’s tourism industry and I’m most willing to help the governor as well as local officials of the four aforementioned towns.
Fact: The Filipino population in New Zealand has grown significantly in recent times to nearly 50,000 or around one percent of the population. So, why only a handful of Kiwis went to Kiangan, for example, and see the fascinating terraced rice paddy fields? Earlier, I discussed in this column the need for Kiangan’s connectivity to Baguio City and Manila. With the availability of bus trips from Manila to Kiangan (or Baguio to Kiangan), I am optimistic the steady exchange of people will finally take place. This is a big challenge to Councilor Janni Albano, who is now the chairperson of the Committee on Tourism.
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Unlimited odds thoughts unloaded: A president of a non-government organization (NGO) at a meeting with his farmers’ group members made a much-awaited announcement on a forthcoming project. “I have good news and bad news for all of you.”
“The good news is, our request for Php 3 million to construct the farm-to-market road has been approved and released by the government.”
“The bad news is the money is still out there in the pocket of a politician.”
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For our food delights corner: It is a perfect time to have beef with mushroom for dinner. Make it happen for your loved ones and they’ll be delighted with this wonderful meal. Marinate the beef for at least three hours. Also, make sure there’s steamed rice, eggplant omelet and fried tilapia (fish). For appetizers and dessert: chocolate cake, avocado and chilled pineapple juice. It is such a great gastronomic lineup. Delicious dining!
The freshness of ingredients used in this meal and the right amount of seasoning should always be considered. It makes no sense not to be on top of things when preparing food at the kitchen. As ever, don’t forget to pray for the blessings at meal time.
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Finally, some thoughts for our readers: “We find corruption everywhere in government.” President Rodrigo Duterte
“In a crisis, there is always an opportunity.” A Chinese proverb.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned.” John 5:24
“When we can no longer change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” Viktor Frank
