By Anthony A. Araos
Trekking and mountain biking opportunities are widely available on several routes of Barangay Poblacion South in Lagawe, Ifugao.
The village’s sitio Lona is famous for these activities. Put the stress, at this juncture, on the trekking activity. Trekkers set out from this scenic sitio through a descending pathway leading to Kiangan village of Banguinge. The best time to trek along fields and many other paths and trails is in the morning to avoid the heat.
The sitio, (smallest unit of a barangay), of course, is situated in a mountainous area with lush jungle surroundings of sorts. Here visitors can enjoy lots of fruits (banana, papaya, coconut and jackfruit- you name it and you have it!), as well as enjoy several activities. So trekking is really good and exciting. For trekkers’ protection, it is recommended that they visit the barangay hall or inform the police station.
Sitio Lona is a picturesque natural gate away with creeks and hectares of land to raise cash-crops.
Regardless of the nationality of the tourists, they will enjoy the farm house and resort here owned by businesswoman and civic leader Angeline Guinid. It has a fully-furnished house, small-sized swimming pool for kids, hall for seminars, workshops or meetings, mini-playground and a newly-built Ifugao native hut. There is also a comfort room. Water supply is unbelievably never a problem.
At this distinctly rural resort, one may experience a lifestyle inspired by the richness of nature fused together with modern amenities.
Here, you and your family, loved ones or friends rediscover the pleasure of just being together.
The place gives you and your special ones the much-cherished rustic yet sophisticated lifestyle that comes with the privilege of a variety of recreational facilities for your needs. Choose from a vast selection of activities to do during your stay here. I can’t help you more on this. Just roll out your picnic and photography plans.
For mountain bikers, the route to Kiangan town and back is indeed challenging. It is ideal for any competition. Just like trekking, mountain biking keeps and individual mentally alert and physically fit. So for the young and not-so-young folks alike in the Cordillera region and elsewhere, make way for this rare mountain biking experience out here where nature’s wonders abound.
Now, pay attention to this value-added tidbit. There is an opportunity here to learn uni-cyclying. Yes, this is all about biking with just one wheel. Scary? Well, honestly, the thought of mounting this thing could be downright frightening. It is up to you to determine whether or not the opportunity is worth pursuing at all. The wheels are apparently well-manufactured thus, are safe- made in Japan and Taiwan (hopefully), so says the farm house and resort’s owner who is willing to teach and train an enthusiast. She competed in an international competition in Tokyo, Japan where she placed fourth. Uni-cycling is a popular sport in many Asian and European countries.
My honest assessment and advice: The sport revolves around balancing and agility. If you’re into jogging, swimming or taekwondo, it is not a bad idea to try this one. If you rather have a weak heart, don’t even think about it!
If so, then it is good for the sport. It will surely encapsulate the best of an athlete, the modern-day Sportsman, while also serving as a motivation to many to conquer the fear of the unknown.
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Agriculture is economically important for the aforementioned sitio and the entire village itself. The sitio, in particular, has a lot of potentials to attract local and foreign tourists and promote farm tourism.
It is for this reason why Governor Pedro Mayam-o should make a big move to discard an antiquated tourism program of Ifugao. The tourism industry of the province is bleeding to death. Its record is dismal. It is simply terrible, to say the least. The provincial government could have the right intention but the tourism blueprint being implemented is utterly not attuned to the times. What it needs is a high result-focused program designed specifically for inbound tourists who are spending about $1,000 a day in the Philippines. Understand the valuable forces at play in the tourism industry and develop the systems necessary to be an effective player within the industry. Advice to the governor: It is time to tap the competence and expertise of the men and women in the private sector.
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Relatedly, it should be emphasized that it is healthy for the officialdom to listen to the sentiments of those in the private sector. After all, they are expressing their views in very good faith.
All officials should not be misled by certain quarters. It already happened in recent history. Atty. Denis Habawel, one of the most intelligent officials in Ifugao, failed in his re-election bid for governor in 2016. Reason: cordon sanitaire. He was not getting the conditions on the ground, so to speak. His so-called bright boys and girls were merely saying “Sir, everything is OK and you have the full support of the people!” All told, Habawel placed fourth.
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I often see a beggar at Lagawe’s flea market. She is a PWD. At one time, there were four young beggars just in front of the Lagawe Trading. While at a meeting with a former department head of the provincial government at Mila’s Restaurant (also in Lagawe), an old woman approached our table and also begged. At the ITTAG van terminal (still in Lagawe), a young boy asked for money for his food. It was the same scene a week earlier- that time at the Ohayami Manila bus terminal. There were five beggars near the church. I stopped counting.
Lagawe is the capital of Ifugao. It is a fourth-class municipality. It has 20 barangays. It hosts Don Bosco High School, a Catholic educational institution, and a number of commercial establishments.
Joblessness is a major problem. Many are poor, most especially in far-flung villages. This is unthinkable.
Indifference to the plight of the poor, sick and needy is an irresponsible act of governance that out rightly betray the true function and integrity of a government official.
To address these problems, how about establishing livelihood programs for poor families and dispersing economic centers to create business and employment opportunities.
For its part, the Ifugao provincial government should establish an emergency employment program. This is the best way of curbing the unemployment problem.
It is high time for municipal, provincial and national government officials to express and show preferential bias for the poor as a means of addressing the mounting poverty incidence problem.
The common good must be served so that the human dignity and rights of individuals are respected.
The sight of beggars in Lagawe and elsewhere is outrageous and shameful. The Duterte administration should develop a cohesive, long-term policy for the marginalized sector so that it can also contribute to the economic development of the country and invariably improve their lives.
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For our food delights corner: bring out the best of a great meal consisting of pork katsudon, grilled fish with peaches and tomato sauce and java rice. Add corn chowder soup with quail eggs.
For dessert: chocolate cake, papaya and chilled black and white gulaman.
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Additional information on vegetables: rural areas are places where vegetables are largely grown. Among them is mustasa. It is also known as leaf mustards.
Mustasa is a crispy mustard greens. It is one of the most nutritious green-leafy vegetables. It is used in soup or salads.
Start to get ready for the family’s next meal. Buy your mustasa as it is needed for the Thousand Island dressing. Be generous too with the mushroom, bacon bits and chopped onions. Don’t be hard on your servings. It is what it is. The dining room is just the perfect place you need for a family special salad treat. Serving and eating well the salad is not a crime. You don’t have to reinvent your weight class this Christmas season. Waste of any opportunity will bother you later. Take my word for it!
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Finally, some thoughts for our readers: “The United States had made a determined effort to end the war in Laos and Cambodia as well as in Vietnam. North Vietnam had consistently refused, in the excuse that such matters were within the jurisdiction of the peoples of Laos and Cambodia.” Former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger
“Your own soul a sword shall pierce.” Luke 2:35**
