LAGAWE, IFUGAO- – The word “good” is rarely used to describe the road at Barangay Nungawa in Asipulo, Ifugao. For now, folks brace impact of the bad road.
But there is hope if things get better here by November of this year if and only if folks prayers for good governance are finally answered.
Nungawa has many folks in poverty, struggling just to have a decent life. They need jobs.
Farming is the main industry. Crop production is low. Modern farm implements were a convenience not yet provided for many farm settings.
The drive to advance the people’s cause when social mobility is still possible can lead them to a better future.
A construction of a new road here is seen as a necessity to spur growth and development in the barangay.
“We need a good road and jobs,” a resident said.
The problem starts from this for several years construction of the farm-to-market road is obviously the top priority. It’s good for the welfare of the people. There is a significant number of indigenous people’s (IPs) in the barangay.
“I pray for their well-being,” uttered former provincial agriculturist Domingo Mariano during a recent visit. Mariano is also a pastor and IP advocate.
Caring for the IPs is Mariano’s special concern. “I hope Pastor Mariano can continue to help and I know he will,” said a village councilor.
Drinking problem is also rampant when. When people display a callous disregard for life, villagers often become innocent victims another reason for more prayers. Just don’t give up yet for God does hear the people’s prayers.
All told, many successful projects of the Provincial Agriculture Environment and Natural Resources Office (PAENRO) would be when they are today, if it wasn’t for Mr. Mariano.
Like all other educated and retired Ifugao individuals who are now in the private sector, Mariano is so concerned about the IPs future. He wants villagers here live more satisfying lives.
What made this development so significant at this point of time? A well-paved concrete road would definitely boost the tourism and economy of the barangay, and at the same time allow villagers easy access to government services. Without me, it has been extremely difficult for the Nungawa Barangay Council- headed by Allan Dulawan to properly serve its constituents.
One can get to the barangay from Lagawe in an hour and 20 minutes. With good road, it’s only 35 minutes.
In 2023, the Philippine welcomed 5.45 million foreign tourists. Only a handful visited this village, let alone the province itself.
Tourism may be the hope of the future. With a good road it could become a major destination in the near future.
This is like further pressing the need for agro-based livelihood assistance to villagers in remote Ifugao barangays. For it shall be good enough to cover their needs in the coming years. **By Anthony A. Araos
