By Anthony A. Araos
Punong Barangay Jovito Valenzuela of Sto. Domingo is a longtime hardworking and soft-spoken public servant of the farming town of Alfonso Lista, who more than anyone else worked for the improvement of the water network in the barangay and laid the foundation for a better health care program.
I’m speaking of the barangay council’s once-in-a-generation investment, the Php 60,000 construction project involving the water system Level 1 at Sitio Cabatuan. The project is truly beneficial to the villagers. It has a direct impact on the people’s lives.
Water problems in most barangays in Ifugao are not being addressed. Appropriate budget support must now be provided to significantly improve the lacking water governance being done at the grassroots level.
It is time to educate barangay council officials on the significance of water basin approach as an effective way of resolving the lack of water problem of countless households. It is also essential to enlighten them on the vitality of constructing a clustered water reservoir system. There should also be ample emphasis on integrated water resource management.
The proactive action of Punong Barangay Valenzuela and his advocacy for the maintenance of a healthy citizenry by providing them clean and potable water had a profound impact not only on his constituents, but also on the accountability of officials like him to public, social, economic and even environmental concerns.
In the meantime, I see the need for punong barangays to work for the establishment of a feedback mechanism among themselves to upgrade the distribution of water in their respective areas. This is precisely why the construction of a communal reservoir for three barangays is an excellent idea.
Pilferage, busted and leaking pipes and incompetence of water district officers and personnel are real problems and threaten to undermine the public’s trust and confidence.
Late afternoons to early evenings these times are now marked by heavy rains and loud lightnings. Yet, the following day there is still no water. If it rains, it pours- they say. But, there is no water. All I’ll ask is why?
The next day water delivery trucks are busy roaming the town. Again, all I’ll ask is why?
Many would welcome some good news. An inquiry by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), in aid of legislation, on this matter should be considered. It is a step in the right direction. I’m sure that several right-thinking Ifugao folks shall support this recommendation until we have fully eradicated substandard practices of these water districts.
The SP then should take measures to preserve public trust and confidence in these underperforming water districts. Accordingly, it should put in place relevant regulatory framework and dynamic supervisory program to guide and oversee their operations.
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Brainy tidbit: You can’t last the day without water. There’s spring water, natural water, mineral water, distilled water and so forth. There is also an acute water shortage in Ifugao albeit the proliferation of water refilling outlets. Isn’t it too much to ask for the municipal and provincial government to pass their Water Code. Time to properly execute “urgent” reforms confronting a thirsty populace. Officials still look at the past, only a few are looking at the future. How can you expect the palay seed to grow that hasn’t been given water?
As always, I had thoughts of the waters at the hot springs in Los Banos, Laguna and popular beaches of Subic town in Zambales and San Juan, La Union. I’m better at thinking and believing that splashing there is great and worthwhile. This is unbelievable, in this world of over-exacted restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 crisis. I’m so glad that my home province Pangasinan offers varied opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating and other water-related activities.
I don’t feel sorry for longing for the time I’ll be back at Mauban, Quezon where I saw a river as transparent as crystal. Getting to remember a lot of memories that would last a lifetime: the bright sun over the beaches of Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte or Waikiki in Hawaii. These places are surely enhanced by the sea on one side, and are two of the most scenic beaches I have seen. Another must-see place is Roanoke River in Virginia. I have friends who studied at Hollins College in Roanoke City and they are so proud of this long and mighty river also known for providing hydroelectric power.
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Please don’t wait for another century to declare age-old houses in Ifugao as “national heritage sites.” I’m talking of heritage as precious as the gems of these houses in Hingyon, Kiangan and Mayoyao towns. Some of the best memories of these towns emanated from these houses. Of particular interest to me is a certain village in Mayoyao which managed to preserve most of its cultural heritage. Henceforth, I’m planning to bring this matter to the attention of Mayor Jimmy Padchanan Jr. Further, I am looking forward to forging future partnerships with Mayors Gerry Luglug and Raldis Andrei Bulayungan of Hingyon and Kiangan, respectively, to achieve the same.
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Unlimited odd thoughts unloaded: How do you boost your immune system these days and in the post-COVID-19 period? Drink lots of water, take vitamins, eat a well-balanced diet and exercise regularly. During the quarantine period, many Filipinos finally realized the importance of exercising daily just to be physically fit. During this period, the gyms were closed. So the only option was “exercise at home.” Oops, it’s “exercise from home.” When the COVID-19 problem is finally over, one may start with continuous walking at the backyard. Do it in a slow pace for a couple of days in a two-week framework. Walking is a form of exercise. First, there should be a warm-up, for best results. This calls for stretching and deep breathing. Both loosen the muscles and increases the body’s oxygen supply. Stretching also makes deeper breathing possible.
Then shift to running or jogging outside of your home. A half kilometer run is not a bad idea. Centrum Advance vitamins sell at Php 10.50 each or Enervon Multivitamins at Php 6.50 each. Exercise at home (or on the road) is free. Yes, I insist that exercise is a good booster to one’s immune system. Do it regularly, and you’ll wake up more lively and energized each day. By exercising you’re not only doing yourself a big favor, but also your loved ones. You’ll get to stay longer in this planet and provide for their needs.
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Ifugao provincial government officials are silent on the issue surrounding the plan of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) to privatize the Banaue Hotel and Youth Hostel.
There was nothing short of amazing or surprising.
Using policy that looks benign in the surface, but progressively tilts the economic fortunes of one or two moneyed individuals as its new owner, the specter is gradually leading to a scenario that the government shall take responsibility for the hotel’s failure over the years to operate it to make it financially viable. Sooner or later the true score will be known.
To let go on those who are responsible for the mess at the famed Banaue Hotel and Youth Hostel is just not acceptable.
A rigorous and serious approach to determining the financial narratives there is for the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation. It shall help Ifugao folks stay abreast of this issue. Also, they have the right to know the facts they need to dispel disinformation. An inquiry shall also serve as a venue for providing a critical analysis on the fate of its current employees. They have ramps to overcome in keeping their jobs. What happens next when many of them end up unemployed because their jobs were taken by friends and relatives of the new owner?
Most of the major hotels in Metro Manila, Cebu City and Baguio City are owned by affluent Filipinos of Chinese descent. I have a short list of interested parties. And the next owner is? But, my lips are sealed! Ni hao ma! Oops, that’s it for now.
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On April 22, the country lost a great leader. The death of former Senator Heherson “Sonny” Alvarez (due to the COVID-19 disease) is a big loss to all Filipinos, most especially those who cared for freedom and democracy. He was a patriot, nationalist and environmentalist. He was a man of principles and a tried and tested leader. He was an outstanding public servant.
I am deeply honored to have worked with him in the past- in the United States with the Ninoy Aquino Movement and here at the Senate. I will do my utmost to honor his memory and carry his legacy forward. Dear Lord, please give Sonny a rightful place in the company of angels in heaven, as he eternally joins his Almighty Creator.
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For our food delights corner: If you think there’s no time to cook a special meal for your family because of the work backlog caused by the COVID-19 crisis, pause and think twice. Step back, hold your breath and say “It is the best time to cook sinigang na bangus (milkfish).” Make sure you’re getting the best, freshest by thoroughly inspecting its gills, scales and size. Be generous with the onions, tomatoes, raddish, kangkong (water spinach), eggplant, string beans and gabi (taro). A Maggi sinigang sampaloc with gabi mix should come in handy. Best served with breaded pork chop and steamed rice. For appetizers and dessert: fruit salad and chilled mango juice. Pray before eating, each second matters.
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Finally, here is a thought for our dear readers: “I will call on Him as long as I live.” Psalm 136: 1, 2**
