ALFONSO LISTA, IFUGAO- – Another so-called big ticket project for Barangay Sto. Domingo in Alfonso Lista, Ifugao to end 2024 with a “big bang” is undoubtedly a major accomplishment of Punong Barangay Jovito Valenzuela.
The planned Sto. Domingo Pavilion easily echoes the timeless appeal of their facility for a scenic village also known for partly hosting the mammoth Magat Dam. It reflects the enduring appeal of an architectural wonder intertwined with contemporary sensibilities employing the true character of Alfonso Lista folks, just as its villages continue to significantly contribute to developing their corn-producing town.
Earmarking a Php 49-m for the project, the pavilion is a great opportunity to foster the tourism industry.
“This pavilion is our appreciation and tribute to the people’s hard work and diligence in their lives just to provide the needs of their loved ones and ensure that the barangay attracts more tourists,” Valenzuela said in an exclusive interview.
“We are thankful for initiating this project and very proud of Kap Jun as Punong Barangay Valenzuela is fondly called by his constituents,” a villager said.”
The pavilion, the first of its kind in Ifugao, offers an exceptional value proposition for local and foreign tourists seeking quality service without spending too much. Thoughtful amenities await visitors. This is because Punong Barangay Valenzuela and other council officials are committed to provide high-quality service to travelers.
While project proponents continue to stress the importance of the pavilion’s unique design to draw a good number of tourists, Valenzuela said emphasizing on built-in-amenities is essential in ensuring and improving guest satisfaction. In other words, quality above all is guaranteed to each one right at the pavilion’s doorstep.
A world-class pavilion shall be helpful in generating LGUs resources for the Sto. Domingo Barangay Council as it strengthens its missions to propel growth and development in this part of Ifugao.
To contribute to and be the motivation for developing infrastructure, journalist Anthony Araos proposed the construction of the multi-million pavilion during the pre-pandemic period. Araos, in a recent visit to Alfonso Lista, told Punong Barangay Valenzuela that the pavilion project is a breakthrough in support of tourism activities at a time there is a travel resurgence for both business and leisure purposes of foreigners. According to the Department of Tourism, the Philippines recovered 66 percent of pandemic level for visitor arrivals in 2023.
Since Valenzuela assumed leadership of the barangay government several years back, the Sto. Domingo Barangay Council has been transformed into a dynamic local government unit, where emerging talents and skills from all sitios and puroks of the barangay display their creativity and harness their distinct cultural background, coming from diverse origins. For Punong Barangay Valenzuela, villagers to take possession of the barangay which they have inhabited for a long time and developed, and which is rightfully theirs. Not for moneyed traditional politicians. Without a doubt, villagers’ young and old alike, deserve the very best.
The usual justification for small-time projects in the barangay is that the funds are limited and barangay council officials are afraid to venture out of their comfort zone is something we heard before, while forward-looking village chieftains like Valenzuela are just only a few, it is nonetheless, better than the average Punong Barangay in the country, who only thinks of waiting shed project.
Shockingly many barangay council officials are in the dark when it comes to the fact that only LGU resources have already increased as a result of the Supreme Court ruling on the Mandanas-Garcia case.
Since the Sto. Domingo Barangay Council now enjoys a greater share from national revenues, it shall carry the responsibility of maintaining the pavilion. Thus, necessary allocations will be made in the provision of clean comfort rooms.
Challenges in mastering the promotion of the pavilion as a splendid attraction across the globe also hound those who are serving the barangay council and are already tied up to their committee chores. This unfortunate reality of lack of experience and training is made painfully clear that in rural areas public relations promotions and advertising campaigns hardly exist. So far, so good for the pavilion’s operations in the first six months and then potential losses start coming in thus, the need for professionals to handle these matters arises.
Considering the huge economic impact of the soon-to-rise pavilions, the Sto. Domingo Barangay Council needs to step up not just telling the public about its role as project proponent, but more importantly, that it is a project production enabler in order to be a partner of the private sector in pushing forward Alfonso Lista’s economic recovery.
Investing in the construction of the pavilion is also essential in alleviating poverty, reducing inequality and promoting the tourism industry. Alfonso Lista’s tourism record is dismal. Ifugao’s receipts from the tourism sector are among the lowest in the CAR. Putting up a pavilion, which is a high attraction, is all about creating a new mindset for all stakeholders. It is really high time to level up. This is done by supporting programs and projects that promote a paradigm shift to high-end tourists. Knowledgeable men and women in the private sector are willing to help in coming up with well-crafted project proposals that will unlock doors of opportunities.
Barangay Sto. Domingo, also popular for tilapia ponds, is a vacation spot near Barangay Sta. Maria or the town proper. The Department of Tourism-funded project is seen as another attraction for bird-watching enthusiasts. Tree Savers Club chairman Victor Sampayan and Engr. Ferdinand Santiago recently endorsed the construction of the pavilion- soon the most imposing facility in Alfonso Lista. Surely the village never lost its appeal despite the great adverse effects of the pandemic crisis.
With the town’s numerous attractions, there is a vast potential in the reconfiguration of the pavilion as the centerpiece of the tourism industry in the years to come. For his part, the pavilion will be Punong Barangay Valenzuela’s biggest accomplishment to date. Beyond that, villagers are so fortunate because he always think of the future.
For 2025, the Sto. Domingo Barangay Council is gearing up to generate funds to allow it to spend more on projects that will directly benefit the residents. **By Anthony A. Araos
