By Anthony A. Araos
Ifugao residents-young and old alike are assured of healthy food items because organic farmers are around to take care of their vital needs.
Among them is Villafuerte Camat, owner of the popular Camat Integrated Organic Farm in Lamut town.
It is a nice place to visit for the purpose of better understanding and appreciating the essence of farm tourism.
I’m hopeful that the men and women of the Mayam-o administration would be able to realize the vast potentials of this farm.
I’m praying they would not pass up this rare opportunity. They should be wise and prudent enough not to squander this great chance.
Mr. Camat, a recipient of the prestigious Villar Foundation Livelihood Training program, undoubtedly is in a very good position to help boost the tourism and agriculture industries.
Perhaps, he’ll easily say to many “let me help you get that healthy body now!”
If the goal in 2017, 2018 and beyond is to have a vibrant tourism industry (after coming up with a new tourism masterplan as crafted by the private sector) in Ifugao, the pressure is on giving ample support and assistance to those who are engaged in farm tourism. In short, make it a top priority.
This organic farm attraction in Lamut is the worthiest reason of them all to promote the tourism industry in high gear.
Of course, other organic farms in the province are also the “new wonders” of Ifugao. It is best to see these farms now and up until the Christmas season. It is time to showcase the valuable vegetables, fruits and other crops of these farms. This is indeed a major challenge.
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This is certainly happening. After the just-concluded Forum on Organic Farming in Lagawe, plans are underway for the conduct of the Organic Farming Congress this year. The undertaking is the brain child of OIC PAENRO (Provincial Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Office) Catherine Buenaventura.
This is indeed very good. How do you manage a congress of 200 or so vibrant and dynamic persons, lead them and the people, protect other stakeholders while under constant challenges? The answer is quite simple and forthcoming.
I supposed it is one way of giving tribute to organic farming practitioners whose dedication and passion to excel in their work and actively take part in the development of agriculture are deemed worthy of emulation.
I strongly submit that the planned Organic Farming Congress is an effective and organized approach to advancing the cause of organic farming in this part of the country.
It is my fervent hope and prayer that the delegates be able to formulate a poverty alleviation program or tool to help farmers increase their production in the coming years.
Fortunately, there is already a law promoting organic farming in Ifugao. It was authored by my esteemed friend, former Board Member Samson Atluna of Mayoyao.
Gone are the days when well-motivated public servants like Board Member James Frederick Dulnuan and Noli Maguiwe and Catherine Buenaventura (who were behind the successful staging of the said forum at the Session Hall of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan) are seen to be merely resting on their laurels. The holding of the Organic Farming Congress will surely make food security easier.
Organic Farming Congress delegates can certainly help push the government to do more by allocating a sizeable budget for organic farmers.
Aside from learning and interacting with an array of resource speakers, delegates are likely to be inspired and motivated to take an active role in achieving the goal of providing sufficient and sustainable food for the people.
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There are still a few stories of heroism in the Cordilleras, particularly in an impoverished province like Ifugao.
Heroes are those individuals who are willing to risk their lives in order to save others in perilous times.
Rhenzyle Kate Matro of Lagawe saved the life of Candice Buhle, a drowning victim of the same town.
All told, a group of youngsters went swimming in a small river at Barangay Poblacion East.
Matro is a student of Don Bosco High School. Whle Buhle is a pupil of Lagawe Central School.
We are in search of heroes. What are you thinking of when the discussion is on heroes? Who are the nation’s heroes? Andres Bonifacio, Jose Rizal and Ninoy Aquino are among others. It makes a lot of sense. Well, there is no need to go to Balintawak, Luneta or EDSA. Well, there is one right here in Lagawe.
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Without a doubt, the development and enhancement of year-round irrigation systems in Ifugao is so vital to the province’s quest for progress.
Henceforth, the construction of the Mongngodyon communal irrigation system should be immediately pursued by the provincial government. The planned project is located at barangay Balawis in Banawe.
The project will put primary consideration to the well-being of farmers-beneficiaries, thus, has a very strong impact on the agriculture industry.
Villagers are looking forward to Board Member Dulnuan for the realization of this much-needed project. They and many others took immense pride when Board Member Dulnuan won his first term in 2010. After all, he hails from this town. Board Member Dulnuan commands high respect from his town mates.
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Well, the issue certainly doesn’t end here. There is also a need for building and repairing of farm-to-market roads and post-harvest facilities in Banaue and elsewhere.
It is imperative for Governor Pedro Mayam-o to extend irrigation service to more farmlands and repair linings and construct service facilities. This shall truly make farmers happy.
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It is primarily premised that food production is simply about the production of agricultural products. This is a trap. In fact, it is also about poverty alleviation.
The right approach is family-based to help bring about families of farmers beyond the poverty threshold level. This is the best way of breaking the vicious cycle of poverty.
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Congratulations to Kevin Cutli Bango for placing fifth in the Certified Public Accountant Board Examination. He took the examinations last May.
For hurdling the tough CPA board examination, may I earnestly urge Governor Mayam-o to take in Mr. Bango as a technical consultant at the budget office.
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My condolence to the bereaved family of Mountain Province Representative Maximo Dalog who passed away recently. My prayers for the eternal repose of his soul.
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Perhaps, this is the reason to push for placing all flags at half-mass in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) as a sign of solidarity while mourning for the death of a prominent and highly respected public servant.
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Isn’t this the best way to show that Cordillera officials are one in spirit, most especially when most people are grieving over the loss of a beloved kin.
True, most officials in the region are advocating for autonomy. But they are sending different signals when it comes to handling common concerns. Any genuine action for the creation of the Cordillera Autonomous Region must move them on the same page, simply because they are Cordillerans and not just Igorots, Ibalois or Ifugaos. What does it tell us about this development? A lot!
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For our food delight corner: This time around be ready for the following delightful course. It’s fish fillet in sweet and sour sauce with java rice. This goes well with chicken relleno with gravy.
How about desserts? Cavendish bananas from Mindanao are great. Plus, leche flan with macapuno. If possible, have a slice of vanilla cake. As a result, leave the healthy life. Surely it is just another backdrop of the food delight corner’s best and finest tip that can only be found perhaps in this column. Enjoy your dinner!
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Finally, some thoughts for our readers: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” (Jn 3:16)
“Everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected when received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the invocation of God in prayer.” 1Timothy 4:4-5 (New Testament)**
