By Anthony A. Araos
The dominant physical feature of Asipulo town (in Ifugao) is its majestic mountain system, which practically encompasses the entire length of its nine barangays (villages).
One such village worth visiting is Pula. It offers a visitor- local or foreign, a level of adventure he or she shall want to come back to time and time again.
The village is ideal for trekking, picnic and camping. On your way to Pula, you’ll get to see the agricultural heartland of Asipulo.
If you love fruits and vegetables, visit Pula, the place where you can buy such items at a cheaper prices.
Everything you say about Asipulo is simply splendid. The Asipulo and New Mexico mountains are alike. The Asipulo mountains remind one of a panoramic American scenery. What are you waiting for? It takes about an hour trip from Lagawe to reach Asipulo. Bring the family or friends along, they’ll be glad. It is never, ever too late to enjoy life!
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Since a good portion of barangay Antipolo (also in Asipulo) is still rich in fruit trees and the like, the provincial government should consider putting up a nature park here. The forests abound with vegetation and animal life.
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As one seeks to boost the tourism industry, there is a corresponding gain in the economy and employment. It’s time to seriously look into Ifugao’s job growth record.
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In 2015, I asked a friend of mine at the tourism office what is the latest project of the said office? Answer: I’m busy validating papers. Obviously, this has no connection with a project.
In 2016, I asked the same question to the same person. Answer: I’m busy validating papers. Surely, this has no connection with a project.
Two weeks ago, I asked the same question to the same person. Answer: I’m busy validating papers. Certainly, this has no connection with a project.
My friend must be working on three truckloads of papers. Next year, I’ll ask this question: Are you still validating papers? Likely answer: Obvious ba! (Isn’t it obvious!).
Now, I see where the problem lies. For so many years, the tourism industry of the province has a dismal record. Do you want local and foreign tourists to come in huge numbers? The provincial government has no choice but to bite the bullet. It’s time to come up with a new tourism blueprint in place of an outdated one presently being used. The time to tap the expertise of those in the private sector is now.
Advice to Governor Pedro Mayam-o: Make Ifugao a top tourist destination in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) in the next six years!
There are for sure some obstacles (such as unattractive, lower salaries to be offered for those from the private sector) but this is just normal in the face of any significant effort and encompassing change. As time moves on, you’ll stand to see the numerous benefits of tapping the services of intelligent men and women in the private sector. In short, hire the best and very best in the private sector. It can’t be business-as-usual attitude for the ailing tourism industry in Ifugao.
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When the cruel deforestation and kaingin (slash and cutting farming) practice have done irreparable damage to Mother Nature- there’s no one for the residents of Ifugao to blame but themselves only.
Instead of condoning kaingin, Ifugao’s young leaders should affirm their commitment to environmental protection and sustainability through tree-planting activities.
I strongly urge them to plant agroforestry tree seedlings in the province’s watershed areas. Planting of tree seedlings is one of the best ways to prevent flooding and landslides brought about by soil erosion.
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Pardon the persistence, but the worsening conditions of hardworking yet underpaid job-order employees at the provincial capitol building in Lagawe, Ifugao is apparent.
For the nth time, I’m discussing a concern so close to my heart. Once again, this issue involves the welfare of these cash-strapped personnel. Many of them are working in the offices of the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Most of them I have befriended for quite some time.
No matter from which angle you’ll look at it, this piece of action by the Chief Executive has always been intended to alleviate the plight of these employees. No ifs and buts, please!
Administrative Order No. 2, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on January 31, 2017, explains this very clearly.
It says that government workers on job orders (JO), contract of service (COS) and other similar schemes shall be granted a one-time Gratuity Pay of Php 2,000. Covered are those who have rendered a total of at least four months of satisfactory service as of December 6, 2016 and whose contracts are still effective as of the same date. In fact, it even pointed out that “granting a year-end Gratuity Pay to these workers is a well-deserved recognition of their hard work.”
Sadly, the conditions are far different on the ground. The provincial government reneged on its obligation to grant the same.
They say, contrary to the view of a few unthinking individuals who said it’s alright not to accord them any benefits, a notion that “those who have less in life should have more in law” still lingers. Thus, extending them Gratuity Pay is timely and so important given the economic harshness of the times.
I have always been a firm believer that preferential bias for the poor is the order of the day. Undoubtedly, the cost of living, measurement of how one family can live decently, is so high. A family of six would need about Php 1,200 a day to survive.
I’m appalled by this development. As a result, I’m discussing this matter at length to help spur compliance by the concerned parties. This appeal specifically calls on top provincial government officials to listen to the voice of reason clamoring for the grant of Gratuity Pay to all job-order employees. It shall give the hundreds of lowly-paid employees toiling each day to make both ends meet- what they rightly deserve. Bottom-line: the government has an obligation to implement the law! No excuses and alibis, please! To do otherwise, is inherently anti-poor!
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Of late, I have been discussing my involvement with the initiative for the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) of Ifugao to acquire much-needed vehicles for operation purposes.
Definitely, it doesn’t end there. I’m also inclined to help in establishing concrete linkages with local and foreign institutions in strengthening abilities and capacities in dealing with various types of disasters.
It need hardly be said that improvement of the office’s services would be a difficult and prolonged process. It has to start somewhere, with the very first step.
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Aida’s Barbecue in Lagawe offers barbecue treats made from recipes that have been popular here for so many years. The place also has made- (shall I say cook-to-order) all-time favorites pancit palabok, spaghetti and cakes too. It is located along the main highway, at barangay Poblacion West.
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For our food delights corner: It’s time to have sliced pork tenderloin in oyster sauce. Perfect with boiled mixed vegetables and beef fried rice. Add to these treats, cream of chicken and mushroom soup. For dessert, there’s fresh fruit salad and vanilla cake. Don’t forget chilled pineapple juice on the side. Prayers for the blessings too.
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Finally, some thoughts for our readers: “Life is the consequences of our moral choices.” A quote from the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago
“Prosperity starts with the mission of empowering everyone that all can be successful.” Presidential Adviser for entrepreneurship and chairman of the ASEAN business advisory council Joey Concepcion III
“The Almighty has done great things for me.” Luke 1:49
“Some people believe gratitude is a virtue.” Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales
“Seek and merit divine help.” Another all-time favorite thought of mine since my grade school days in Caloocan City. **
