By Anthony A. Araos
Key leaders of the indigenous people’s sector in Alfonso Lista town continues to dialogue with barangay government officials to entice them to appoint indigenous people’s mandatory representatives (IPMRs) in their villages and contribute in improving the lives of IPs.
Namnama Punong Barangay Joseph Lista said that sector leaders continue to engage with a number of barangay council officials on this concern, as he officiated recently the oath-taking of the village’s IPMR Sherwin Copio at the barangay hall.
Lista said that improving the IPMR’s lot will continue to be a priority in this part of the town.
“The time has come to attend to their needs, with the opportune opening of multi sector approach in enriching their needs,” Lista told the ZigZag Weekly.
“The path to a better future for our IPs runs through a partnership, most especially with the private sector,” he added.
What Lista says bears on key matters affecting the barangay that is clearly a source of contentment of folks. This does away with all misconceptions and misfits in governing at the grassroots level. Over the years, several incompetent and inutils have tarnished the image of barangay officials.
Something that should give officials much food for thought in the way in which the IPMR program was designed by the government.
IPMR empowerment should translate to a genuine concern for a vital sector as well as an instrument to elevate it to the heights that we imagine it can achieve.
These issues can make or break IPMRs and governance at their level, making the program not only about how to govern correctly but also taking into consideration funds available for projects and capacity-building activities for them.
Copio’s exceptional dedication to duty earned him this prestigious honor, reflecting his commitment to the IP cause and bringing pride and recognition to the town.
The IPMR addition completes the picture of a totally unparallel approach, signaling quickness in action to strengthening the barangay council’s ranks.
Others in the council include kagawads (councilmen) Ronnie Cudiamat, William Catayong, Noli Paleha, William Tagabas Jr., Judy Verzola, Reciguno Naval and Bayani Bog-an. SK chairman is Jayson Bilangin. BArangay secretary is Darwin Tungpalan and Barangay treasurer is Rowena Ngitew.
Namnama has done other villages one better. Only the villages of Busilac, Caragasan, Kiling, Laya, Little Tadian, Ngileb, San Juan, Sto. Domingo and Tadian have their IPMRs. Although almost always many Ifugao folks thought of IPMR as “not needed” because the barangay officials are IPs themselves or there are budgetary constraints.
Under these circumstances, this is the height of folly, misapprehension and stupidity.
“I’m delighted to have extended assistance to our IPMRs,” Board Member Peter Bunnag said.
“I’m privileged to stand on their shoulders for our partnership has been instrumental in elevating our shared vision,” he added.
Likewise, Michael Inggo expressed optimism for the development. “We remain to continuously invest in the IP cause, fueling our recent success and inspiring new milestones in Alfonso Lista,” he declared in an exclusive interview with the ZigZag Weekly. Inggo is a pastor. He is aligned with the IPO. “Count me in,” Inggo said when asked if he is ready to lead the effort of rolling out the IPMR pitch in the other ten villages of Alfonso Lista.
The IPMR program is evolving. It has a mission of building a better future for the next generation. It seeks to create and develop opportunities for IP leaders and appointment of an IPMR brings this development to life in the most meaningful way.
IPMR reforms should be judged by its impact on indigenous folks, especially in improving their conditions. Most of them are poor. Success depends not on whether they are close to the Mayor or powers-that-be. Clear priorities, transparency and accountability are essential at every level. When implemented well, these reforms strengthen the program and ensure that the people’s needs are met.
The swear-in ceremony comes as the Namnama Elementary School conducted with its first-ever journalism workshop. To create an environment in which learning enlivens and enriches 17 young campus scribes, journalist Anthony Araos served as lecturer.
Once again, there is nothing new about the enormous contributions of principal Gemma Talamayan to the school. She also attended the previously mentioned barangay activity. The school has seven teachers. They are Marilou Catayong, Estelita Ragus, Elena Lista, Michelle Tandas, Maeflor Abad, Cinderella Bilayon and Regina Cabayatan. Non-teaching personnel are Floree Gay Sandajo and Gemmalyn Gulguluway.
Apart from the school, Namnama offers some attractions to tourists. The trip to the village is especially attractive because of the newly-constructed well-paved two lane road. **
