LAGAWE, IFUGAO- – For years, concerned Ifugao folks have voiced their sentiments on a longstanding issue: to resolve land disputes on time with neighboring provinces.
This is now changing, thanks to Board Member Pedro Mayam-o. Immediately after assuming office, Mayam-o began working on this matter, thus, giving hope for its resolutions.
To date, Ifugao has territorial disputes with Isabela and Nueva Vizcaya.
“These lands are ours. We need to assert ownership of them,” he said.
Mayam-o, also a lawyer, has downplayed the apprehension of possible inaction of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) in such disputes of the province, signaling confidence from various sectors amid changes at the legislative body. It also reflects Mayam-o’s election campaign commitment to resolve such complaints while embracing bipartisan approach of achieving it.
For so long, these folks were on the lookout for legislators at this level who will aggressively address this issue for other claimants adhere to what the law requires. Something has to move.
He is studying the enactment of an appropriate measure aimed to ensure efficient take down of attempts to take away Ifugao lands.
“Board Member Mayam-o has been pushing this cause for a long, long time. Part of the success is attributable to his genuine concern for the province and its people,” former provincial agriculturist Domingo Mariano said.
Essentially, the SP’s actions have helped provide relief to these disputes.
Legislated action is more than a means of just enacting a resolution- it is the people’s way, through their representatives at the powerful provincial board, to express their voices. Regaining land properties is a catalyst for economic prosperity- generating jobs and stimulating local economies. It shall enrich lives in areas that are not served by the provincial government. It shall create sustainable communities that contribute to nation-building.
These portions of relatively vast land properties have been increasingly important since residents are engaged in agriculture production. Their taxes are not going to Ifugao coffers. If at all, the SP’s reasonable action shall result to a decision not adverse to the province, so that the use of and ownership of the land would be awarded to Ifugao.
“Remember, a resident is a subject to the law of the other province when he or she is outside of the province. As such, I shall steadfastly work to protect our land claims,” Mayam-o pointed out.
The Ifugao SP has progressively fallen behind its neighbors in the Cordillera Administrative Region in the discharge of its functions in lieu of the absence of a lawyer-board member.
Now, it should look into irregularities and ferret out the truth. Mayam-o’s presence shall provide essential knowledge and practical tools to better serve and protect the province. Other provinces, seeing the importance of good governance to ensure competitiveness, economic progress and human development, have poured vast resources into providing their legislative bodies to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation on transactions of erring officials who say with no qualms there is no shade of corruption.
Can the SP inquiry really stop their misconduct? The legislative investigation is a potent weapon to enforce accountability of public officers. It is an antidote to inefficiency.
Time and again, people lose their trust in the government if they see that nothing happens to the anomalies uncovered.
Mayam-o is also a former governor and vice governor. He is a true public servant, a bridge-builder.
Governor Jerry Dalipog needs to air the urgency for the SP to quickly act on this matter. He must prod SP members to prioritize such concerns. Administration, opposition and independent board members should sit down together and find a way to assert what are rightfully Ifugao land areas. It is imperative to have a game plan. Simple as that! Good understanding of the legislative agenda’s soundness brings the SP to creating an aspiration environment in resolving rows to land domain. **By Anthony A. Araos
