LAGAWE, IFUGAO- – Do you want the rice wine production of Ifugao to go forward significantly or backward dramatically?
This query was raised recently by Board Member Peter Bunnag as he called for urgent moves to upgrade its production.
That very time the sentiment was sounded, and voices of support all across the landscape were heard.
“All right, we’re behind him to help the rice wine industry, and we’re eager to cause this to happen,” Larimar Dulnuan told the ZigZag Weekly in an exclusive interview.
Dulnuan is the head of the 21-member Amdontog Rice Wine Producers Association (ARPA). ARPA is based in Asipulo, Ifugao.
Many people have an unshakeable certainty in their job. One of them is Board Member Bunnag.
Now Ifugao folks surely appreciated his initiative.
Bunnag is committed to doing his part in nation-building by up-scaling livelihood opportunities as folks create sustainable, innovative and dynamic ventures that enhance the quality of their lives for impoverished communities they live.
In this way, Bunnag has sought a meeting with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Laurel Sr. Laurel who has yet to respond to the request.
“There are compelling reasons that challenge them (rice wine producers) to recognize the need to aggressively expand in Ifugao and abroad,” Bunnag pointed out.
And through all of this, there is a marked improvement in the quality of life for the people. This can help reduce poverty- both relative and absolute. Ifugao is one of the poorest provinces in the country,
Rice production In Ifugao is far from satisfactory levels. An increased yield at harvest time is the only measure seen to help replenish dwindling rice stocks.
Amid criticisms over the use of old alcoholic bottles and poor marketing schemes, there are many other problems faced by producers. It needs to be emphasized, moreover, that Ifugao products pale in comparison to ones from Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya and Isabela. It happens when we come across these items at trade fairs or supermarkets. An unmarked four by four (4″ by 4″) gin bottle of “baya” rice wine from Hingyon, sells at Php 150 at the flea market of Lagawe. Another one from Asipulo is priced at Php 120. The price is particularly stressing considering the high cost of living.
Strong performance of Ifugao’s competitors in northern Luzon is easily attributed to ideal packaging of products.
Yes, breadth of innovativeness is likely necessary and desirable when you’re selling the “baya”- after all, you have to go out there and discover what seems worth investing in every peso infused in the business,
It has become an accepted part of the financial world to believe that competitiveness is integral in fulfilling a business opportunity. Time for Ifugao entrepreneurs to fully participate in the global trade circuit and ultimately transform themselves as a major economic driver.
Still, they could do what they do best, listen to others (to non-ifugao guy with business acumen) and make it big. What? Competition makes markets perform better and promotes inclusive economic growth. (By **Anthony A. Araos
