By Anthony A. Araos
Don’t ignore even the small details of a planned vacation during the Holy Week. There is simply no substitute for a well-planned vacation at a get-away locality. You might feel upset with problems because the vacation is intended for very special reasons.
One of the attractions of Alfonso Lista town in Ifugao is the Bataan Rock Waterfalls. It is located at Barangay Pinto. It also features enchanting rock formations.
Why visit Bataan Rock Waterfalls at this time of the year? This destination is also helpful to guiding visitors in their quest for the meaning of life and journey to find true happiness in a serene environment. This may well be an ideal place to reflect on the blessings showered by the Almighty Creator. For great blessings of the contemporary times are not just the tall buildings in Makati and high-technology gadgets such as laptops, computers and cellphones.
Getting to this noted destination is not difficult. It is an eight-kilometer trip along well-paved road from the main poblacion area of Barangay Sta. Maria. Then negotiate a three-kilometer dirt road. Finally, there is a ten-minute or so trek to the site itself.
Well, according to municipal government officials, Bataan Rock Waterfalls is also ideal for picnics, viewing and photography.
This is it, local and foreign tourists need not go to Holy Land in Israel. A well-planned vacation and itinerary is Bataan Rock Waterfalls. Bring your food, water, extra clothes, camera and bible. Find time to pray for your loved ones and a world currently threatened by the COVID-19 (or coronavirus) outbreak.
To my mind, Bataan Rock Waterfalls should be renamed by the Sangguniang Bayan to possibly Cappleman Rock Waterfalls, in honor of the late governor Benjamin Cappleman. It confuses the public of its location. The waterfall is located in Ifugao, not in Bataan! Calling the attention of Councilor Virginia Dinagtuan, chair on committee on tourism. There is a job waiting for you. Exercise your political will!
-o0o-
Believe it or not: the proposed ordinance seeking the provision of a monthly Php 500 honoraria for Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) secretaries and treasurers in Ifugao, authored by SK Federation president and concurrent board member Aezle Dumangeng, still has a very long way to hurdle at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. It was filed last year. Yet, it hasn’t neem included in the SP’s agenda. For short, it got nowhere- not even in the first reading!
A strong push and support for its enactment is the least SP members should do to recognize the deeds of the youth sector and ultimately advance the common good.
I totally support the passage of this noteworthy measure. It is indeed a much-needed relief for the cash-starved, stressed-out SK secretaries and treasurers. While barangay secretaries and treasurers are receiving their honoraria, the SK secretaries and treasurers are receiving nothing. Who wants to serve in such capacities among the youth sector? It is a far-fetched reason to ignore them because of their age.
Inaction on this matter is a pernicious practice that tramples on young and promising SK secretaries and treasurers who are already down. This is unjust and unthinkable!
It is completely natural then for Board Member Dumangeng to feel bad for the very slow movement of the legislative mill on this concern. But, it isn’t too late in the day to act on this matter. Now, here’s the good thing to come. Support is on its way! Consequently, eight to nine board members shall vote in the affirmative for its passage and shall create a great and long-lasting impression.
-o0o-
What is DZAL and why is it important? DZAL is the community radio station in Alfonso Lista. It is an FM (frequency modulation) station/ It provides relevant information to listeners in the town’s 20 barangays and adjacent areas. Alfonso Lista is bounded by Aguinaldo town of Ifugao, Paracelis of Mountain Province and the towns of Ramon, San Mateo, Aurora, San Manuel and Roxas of Isabela. A radio set is an important source of information in rural areas. The station is located at the municipal hall.
-o0o-
Brainy tidbit: According to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Ifugao Provincial Director Valentin Baguidudol, Mayoyao town rightfully deserves the distinction as the “cultural tourism” hub of the province. I fully agree! Yet, only a few tourists are visiting the town, also known for its panoramic rice terraces. Well, the problem is largely attributed to the fact that its municipal tourism officer Ansa Ngennay doesn’t work on a permanent basis. She is officially the municipal tourism officer-designate. At any given time, she gets to pack her things and lead to the exit point. Ms. Ngennay is hardworking and knowledgeable of her job. Henceforth, Mayor Jimmy Padchanan Jr. should immediately appoint her as municipal tourism officer as a means of boosting the tourism industry.
Ms. Ngennay is an excellent choice for the job. Without a doubt, she has the credentials and experience to do well in the said position.
With Ngennay at the helm of the Mayoyao tourism office, tourism in the town could improve and generate more jobs.
-o0o-
Baguinge Barangay Council officials are presently pursuing plans to acquire an ambulance as well as closed-circuit television (CCTV) equipment to improve the delivery of fundamental services to the people in the village. Baguinge is a barangay in Kiangan town.
To my mind, the acquisition of an ambulance is best done through the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) at no cost. Thus, barangay government funds are saved and better allocated for other pressing needs. I got in good source, that the village needs six CCTV units to ensure the promotion of peace and order.
I don’t see any reason why appropriate and immediate action shall not be taken by the government agency tasked to approve its request. The plan is timely and relevant.
-o0o-
Among the most promising municipal government officials in Ifugao is Alfonso Lista Councilor William Taganas. He is a hardworking and dedicated legislator. Councilor Taganas is the chairman of the committee on education at the Sangguniang Bayan. It is one of the vital committees of the town’s legislative body.
As it is, lawmakers like him should strongly push for measures designed to improve the facilities of public schools in Alfonso Lista, most especially in far-flung villages, and upgrade the living conditions of the men and women in the education sector. Frequently Asked Question (FAQ): Why are well-meaning public officials like Councilor Taganas not so many in the province? Surely, you’re guess is as good as mine.
There are socio-legal processes of providing better means of promoting the welfare of all stakeholders of the education sector. This task has been entrusted to the chairman, vice chairman and members of the committee on education. They should consistently consider the living standards of public school teachers who mold the minds of the young. As such, they should know, understand and appreciate the merits of obtaining relevant information on the wages of mentors and accurately determine if those who impart knowledge to youngsters are in a position to support and care for their very own children or loved ones in keeping means with the family. Sadly, most teachers are overworked but underpaid. Certainly, they deserve a better treatment.
In hindsight, I commend the exemplary and extraordinary deeds of Councilor William Taganas as head of the education committee and hope that his work will be replicated throughout the province. To Councilor Taganas: God bless and Mabuhay! Keep up the excellent work!
-o0o-
For our food delights corner: For dinner time, bring out the best of Sinigang na Norwegian Salmon with kangkong (water spinach). Emphasis on this soup-based meal is on the preparation of freshly-cut belly strips. Of course, it is quite expensive, but definitely delicious and nutritious. Be generous with the onions, tomatoes, radish, gabi (taro), string beans and eggplant. Best paired with mushroom omelet and breaded pork chop. For appetizers and dessert: vanilla cake, bananas and chilled mango juice. Don’t forget to pray for these blessings at the table.
-o0o-
Here are some thoughts for our dear readers: “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” Psalms 127:1
“He who walks honestly, walks sincerely.” Proverbs 10:9
“The sewer is the conscience of the city.” Victor Hugo
“We must be fully committed to the institutions and to the law. We should express our grievances and seek accountability from our leaders through processes in accordance with the Constitution. In that way, we can contribute to the strengthening of our institutions.” Vice President Leni Robredo**
