By Anthony A. Araos
An inspired idea initiated and pursued by ICHO (Ifugao Cultural Heritage Office) head Nora Luglug is the creation of Heritage Streets at Banaue, Hungduan, Kiangan and Mayoyao towns, all in Ifugao and UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization)-declared Heritage Sites.
The plan resembles the famed Crisologo Street (Calle Crisologo) at Vigan City where thousands of tourists are seen daily buying local products as souvenirs.
Ms. Luglug’s plan for Banaue, Hungduan, Kiangan and Mayaoyao will hopefully attract tourists to view the ingenuity of our ancestors. Only these four municipalities? Not the whole of Ifugao? Unfortunately, yes. That’s because they are the only UNESCO designated world heritage sites in our province.
With an influx of tourists, what can we expect? Business. Not only that. We can also show off the skills of our world-class woodcarvers.
Tourists expect to find souvenirs that are unique to these places. They are out to buy original trinkets and enjoy local delicacies. Here is a big challenge to the local community. Be creative and keep the tourists coming by offering them excitement and leisure. Isn’t this challenge exciting?
Showcasing the Ifugao native huts is a great idea. They are unique to Ifugao. They are a gateway to the past. They complement the scenic rice terraces as tourist attractions I’m glad the ICHO head saw the huge opportunity in them.
However, the provincial government needs to develop and improve facilities to draw local and foreign tourists to these places. Otherwise, all the initial effort exerted on these plans will go to waste. People’s lives will become worse. Frankly speaking, the provincial government would fail in its mission to develop, harness and bring out the full potential of its people. Don’t miss this chance. Do something!
Tourism in this province offers a fantastic opportunity! No opportunity should be wasted!
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Congratulations to the Ifugao provincial government nutrition office for topping the Regional Nutri-Contest Song 2020 competition. Ifugao bested the entries of Baguio City and Mountain Province. The contest was sponsored by the National Nutrition Council of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
Well, it’s time for all concerned officials and personnel at the provincial government to roll up their sleeves and buckle down to work in order to really address the malnutrition problem. There are countless malnourished kids in the province. Elimination of malnutrition can only happen if government makes it a top priority. Jobs are needed by Ifugao folks to feed their children. Government programs on health and nutrition can succeed if there is genuine accountability. Success should be rewarded and failure explained and corrected.
There is a need to upgrade the competencies of personnel in the barangay level and promote collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the comprehensive nutrition policy of the national government.
Provincial government officials in the past got too comfortable with run-of-the-mill reports on underfunded feeding programs leading to complacency on the problem of stunted growth among malnourished Ifugao kids in many villages.
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PhilHealth Insurance Corp. president Ricardo Morales is reportedly considering taking a leave from his post instead of resigning. He is facing corruption complaints. To be fair, some quarters are citing health reasons for his decision. In Japan, disgraced officials commit hara-kiri. In the Philippines, we don’t have to cut our abdomens, we are expected to have at least delicadeza.
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For our food delights corner: Great to have sweet and sour pork for lunch. Add java rice, fried bangus (milkfish) and mixed vegetables. Lechon sauce gives added excitement to the fish. This is another delicious and nutritious treat for your family or loved ones. For appetizers and dessert: leche plan, avocado and chilled orange juice. Just don’t forget to pray for all the blessings at meal time. You’ve got something special from the Almighty Creator- that’s why you’re truly blessed. Think about this hearty meal during the rainy season and the COVID-19 woes. Prayer is a form of nourishment.
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Finally, here are some thoughts for our dear readers: “Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” These are my all-time favorite thoughts from grade school
“If you want to shine like the sun, you have to burn like it.” Adolf Hitler**
