By Anthony A. Araos
Olilicon is one of the most impoverished villages in Ifugao.
Saying that this remote barangay ever still existed in the government’s mind is absolutely the most irrational manner that any official can make.
Any contention to refute it will be consistent with being irrational. Today, Olilicon can be reached after a very long trip from Lagawe’s main Barangay Poblacion East area (passing through Lamut town), testifying to its disconnection to the real world. For short, it kept village underdeveloped for several decades.
It is grossly unfair and unjust to neglect the plight of poor villagers. Barangay council officials need to attend to the folks basic wants if they are able to reach their full potential as a people. But resources are obviously limited.
Quite frankly, there’s a very serious problem with agriculture- Olilicon’s primary industry. It’s backward and has kept the villages underdeveloped. The effective conduct of mechanized farming is constrained by lack of resources and technology.
It is apparent that a number of farming practices are being performed is crude and outdated ways. The agriculture sector here is utilizing equipment that is way past its warranty. The ripple effects of having to absorb huge losses due to lack of post-harvest facilities, among others, will be hardest on farmers at a time many are already feeling the effects of the high cost of living due to the energy crisis.
Indeed, Olilicon needs enormous support from the national government. Urgent needs: increased productivity, better seeds, farmer inputs, irrigation systems and farm-to-market roads.
When these initiatives are extended, they can increase income of stakeholders then, make them ready to contribute to economic growth.
Is it enough to say that there is no more need for Olilicon farmers (and all others in Lagawe) to go beyond subsistence farming. No! If those in the officialdom really wholeheartedly love them, provide all out support for farmers. The growth and development of marginalized sectors of the economy particularly, farmers and fisher folks is an integral part of any affirmative action to assist the poorest segments of the populace. To my mind, it is a basic requirement of a working democracy. Thus, it aptly recognizes the role of men and women in the agriculture sector in the nation’s socio-economic development that will propel its economy.
I also saw a padlocked barangay health clinic and outdated Olilicon Elementary school. This is clearly affecting the delivery of services. The problem has been among the biggest drawback for the agenda on sustainable poverty reduction. Sadly, Olilicon has an operational budget of only Php 2,589,111.84 in 2025. The government has the responsibility to “save” beleaguered and distant barangays as this one. More so, in light of the Supreme Court ruling in the so-called Mandanas-Garcia case which effectively gave LGUs larger share of national revenues.
Obviously, Olilicon needs and deserves a better budget. A budget that is responsive to every need of every villager.
Increased honoraria of overworked but underpaid Olilicon barangay council officials should help upgrade governance. They are Rafael Dominong Jr, punong barangay; kagawads (councilmen) Ignacio Allaga Sr., Ramon Mangao, Corazon Ugahon, Gliceria Allaga, Eddie Tangad Sr., Abelardo Gamaon and Basilio Dulnyan and SK chair Jayson Dulnuan. Barangay Treasurer is Benarose Tangid and Joylene Buyuccan is the barangay secretary.
They’re my “unsung heroes.” Their examples of good governance deserve study and emulation.
Without them, a higher budget for 2027 to counter the skyrocketing prices and better grasp of the people’s needs it would be very difficult to building healthy and resilient distant villages in the capital town of Lagawe as Olilicon. This village was stagnant for decades. Don’t forget the past. Never neglect. Never again- Olilicon!**
