By Anthony A. Araos
Rice wine traders all over Ifugao work very hard to support themselves and their families. The same thing is true with producers of this produce, more so known as “baya.” How can you feel good about their conditions when the rice wine industry is barely alive due to a number of reasons?
So, what can those in the officialdom do to help them to continue with their work?
In a bold move, Board Member Peter Bunnag has announced plans for rolling out an initiative for the beleaguered industry. This landmark move reinforces the dedication of this articulate and hardworking lawmaker of Alfonso Lista town in the province’s second district.
The unveiling of these innovative moves with an initial salvo slated in a matter of weeks, encompass a good selection of offerings primarily catering to diverse market segments, composed of produces, traders and consumers.
According to Bunnag, the enhanced starter activity for the development of the industry’s 11 towns make business viability more attainable for stakeholders (and even aspiring ones) by offering value-driven insights, strategies and competitive financing options.
Bunnag made it a priority to strongly push the industry’s development. Before long, Bunnag’s continued success in engaging with renowned individuals in the business world spread his fame throughout the Cordillera Administrative Region. He grew as a result. While not the chair of the agriculture committee at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Bunnag came to be looked upon as a leader, prime mover and game changer in the agriculture sector. Today, he is widely recognized for his contributions in the farming sector.
Gone are the days when a provincial board member is looking the other way to the needs of soil tillers because of the aforementioned reason. Undoubtedly, Bunnag’s contributions have significantly helped in furthering the interests of the sun-baked men and women in this all-impact sector.
However, in this “all-important” sector is the key word in that assertion. Are other officials feeling the same way. The significance of the honest-to-goodness support and assistance to cash-strapped farmers is that it is relatively rare. It would help to gain the people’s trust and confidence if there is ample and sustained government investment into post-harvest facilities, irrigation systems, farm-to-market roads and the likes.
I certainly hope the provincial government finally realizes the need to tap and harness the expertise of knowledgeable individuals in the private sector to give the rice wine industry a “second life.” Interested private sector partners will surely pursue it, because any fresh knowledge, new headway gained will benefit not only Ifugao, not only the Cordilleras, but the entire country.
To my mind, a Rice Wine Industry Development Plan of Ifugao should be drafted by the private sector to set the directions and policies for the industry’s development in the long run.
The order of the day is to attract foreign investment in the agriculture sector that will also provide employment opportunities to Ifugao folks.
Also, put up an export assistance help desk. This aims to oversee and facilitate the handling of exporter’s inquiries and/or concern regard to rice wine products, with the goal of aiding them for the promotion of economic growth through exports.
The Ifugao “baya” should ideally be globally competitive. Some other educated folks felt as Board Member Bunnag did. Keeping in mind of the baya’s backwardness in terms of technology, productivity and even ways of selling it, there is a compelling reason to modernize the industry. There is a notable impact of this.
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