By Anthony A. Araos
Foreign tourists are usually on the lookout for reasonably-priced hotels, hostels and lodging inns where rooms are quite comfortable. In Boracay, Cebu City, Davao City, Tagaytay City, Baguio City and Subic Freeport in Zambales province, they are particular in choosing a place to stay with world-class amenities like those offered in highly-developed countries.
The high-end foreign traveler is willing to spend a considerable amount of money for an executive suite with a queen-size bed, living room with bathtub and LCD TV. Not to mention the WIFI connection and buffet breakfast.
Don’t be a spoiler! Make your “staycation” trip to Ifugao unforgettable by bringing along your nearest and dearest to a comfortable hotel, hostel or lodging inn. Sadly, there are but a few of them out here.
Most foreign tourist are staying away from Ifugao because of the lack of honest-to-goodness hotels, hostels, lodging inns and other related facilities. At best, the province is only offering “homestay” as an alternative.
Over the years, tourism planners in the public service are too engrossed with the worn-out GOTAD and Kulpi trade fairs and parades. These events brought forth little or no significant gains at all to the gasping Ifugao economy. They failed to understand and appreciate the impact of a well-attuned infrastructure network in the tourism industry. Well, they simply failed to remember it is already the 21st century.
Anyhow, March is a stir-crazy time to travel and to my mind there is no need to hesitate to plan one. The weather is usually hot and at times quite unpredictable.
Find a way to win the battle against the heat and restlessness. Find time and your way to the destinations of Ifugao. But where do you stay? Under a coconut tree!
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Timeless reminders on how to be healthy these days easily offer inspiring guidance, encouragement and peace of mind that will save you lots of money because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease outbreak. Develop healthful habits. Eat nutritious food, and make sure not to skip meals. Be sure to get enough rest and sleep. Exercise on a regular basis and take your vitamins. Bottom line: Be a healthy member of society!
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Jovito Valenzuela is a preeminent Punong Barangay in Alfonso Lista, Ifugao, and his works, actions and initiatives have an inestimable impact on the Sto. Domigo Barangay Council and by exemption, the Liga ng mga Barangay (Association of Barangay Captains) of this town. Yet, when did such service begin? Explore the “success story” of one of the most significant figures of the barangay government in Alfonso Lista for a number of years and learn about his struggle to find answers amidst a sea of difficulties and a mountain of challenges to overcome.
Punong Barangay Valenzuela has a good motivation and good disposition in life. He has a strong desire to dedicate his life totally to public service.
Believe it or not: the Sto. Domingo Barangay Hall is far bigger in size than the Alfonso Lista Municipal Hall.
I’m not kidding, the Sto. Domingo barangay government employs 123 individuals! It is a vast workforce that entails a large operational budget to consider.
The Sto. Domingo Barangay Hall is indeed a landmark of Alfonso Lista. To my mind, it is already a destination for local and foreign tourists. The village is known for the migratory bird watching site. As their stories unfold we see the blessings as well as the challenges that public service entails. Undoubtedly, Punong Barangay Valenzuela is hardworking and has an unflinching commitment to improve the conditions of his constituents, most of them are poor.
I have asked a lot of times my friends in the public sector here and elsewhere, What is Punong Barangay Valenzuela is striving to establish is a fledgling mission to lift people out of abject poverty in this part of the country. Small wonder, Punong Barangay Valenzuela is well-loved, well-respected and well-admired by the people.
By the grace of God, I’m fervently praying for the continued good health and success of Punong Barangay Jovito Valenzuela. A two-term village chieftain and former Kagawad (councilman), Mr. Valenzuela is on his way to the top. I’m optimistic that he shall ultimately serve in a higher capacity in the not-so-distant future. In short, Punong Barangay Valenzuela should be elected Councilor in 2022.
In the deft scope of God’s design, Punong Barangay Valenzuela, the residents of Barangay Sto. Domingo and all others shall reap the fruits of their work in the coming months of 2020 and beyond. I’m pretty sure of such scenario to occur.
To Punong Barangay Jovito Valenzuela: God bless and Mabuhay!
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Seeing the enormous advantages and glaring positive side of forming the Alfonso Lista Dragon Fruit Farmers Association, Mayor Edralin Alipio sounded recently his full support for the plan to put up one in this fast-emerging farming town. Many others in the public and private sectors have expressed the same sentiments.
It is high time for farmers and municipal government officials to look into the value of dragon fruit produce. Or better still, for them to add or boost its value.
Truth to tell, the Philippines has only Cavendish banana and pineapples (both from Mindanao) as agri-based exports to speak of.
According to the United Nations Trade Center, the Philippines earned $4 billion from food exports in 2008. While Thailand registered at $34.5 billion. Malaysia at $27.7 billion and Indonesia at $31.4 billion. In other words, the Philippines is lagging behind in Southeast Asia in terms of agri-food exports. Today, Vietnam is even exporting rice to the Philippines.
So the focus is on the dragon fruit produce. This produce is raised out here in Alfonso Lista. For now, the town’s hardworking dragon fruit farmers are on their own. So why not form an association? It shall be a catalyst in providing an environment conducive to improving the conditions of all stakeholders. A competitive environment that provides realistic prospects for growth and sustainable success in encouraging farmers and even business owners to constantly upgrade their products. It goes without saying that the proposed Alfonso Lista Dragon Fruit Farmers Association is a timely idea to further accelerate the town’s economy. Alfonso Lista is a third-class municipality in the second geographical district of Ifugao. What are you waiting for?
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I’m wondering why Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-Ifugao Chapter officers are mum on the issue of the CITIRA (Corporate Income Tax and Incentives Rationalization Act) bill. The bill is now pending at Congress. It was approved at the House of Representatives in September last year.
The CITIRA is a tax system described by proponents as one drawn from the best in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Have you ever wondered, “What would the top level of business owners in Ifugao who are at the helm of the PCCI-Ifugao Chapter think about it?” This is, of course, a legitimate query.
The well-being of the men and women in the micro-small-to-medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province is at stake. More so, since Ifugao is one of the poorest provinces in the Philippines. There is no room for being silent.
All told, the CITIRA bill is most helpful in the local and national economy. An improved, better formulated, together with the gradual lowering of the corporate income tax (CIT) from 30 percent to 20 percent, would be the key to an improved investment climate in the country.
In terms of foreign direct investments (FDI) inflows the Philippines with $9.83 billion in 2018, trails Thailand with $13.2 billion, Indonesia with $19.82 billion and Singapore with $81.85 billion, for the same period.
The PCCI-Ifugao Chapter should then make its position known on this matter. Others have clearly spoken on the merits of the CITIRA bill. How I wish PCCI-Ifugao Chapter president Jasmin Deleso articulate this concern in the chapter’s next meeting. The time to make a stand- for or against the CITIRA bill, is now! For goodness sake, a discussion on the CITIRA bill is far more important, meaningful and productive than the outmoded trade fairs and parades dished out at the GOTAD and Kulpi festivities.
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Blooper in Ifugao: Saw the following sign at a business establishment in the province: Trippple I Merchandise. Pass your own judgement on the spelling. Honestly, I’m no longer a stranger to this practice.
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Unlimited thoughts unloaded: A husband and wife tandem at the municipal hall calls the shots on each aspect of life in a poor town in the countryside. The male subject is the mayor. While his wife is the vice mayor. Well, they are well-known for enriching their pockets at the expense of their hapless constituents. Call it conjugal corruption.
At an occasion, they quarreled over their share of a major road project. They went into a shouting match. For a week they were at odds. No one said a work to each other. On the eight day, the mayor broke the silence. He obviously saw the need to forge a ceasefire.
At breakfast, the mayor said: “Hey, look at the pigs at our backyard are all out and smelling bad. Do something about it!”
The vice mayor answered: “You should do something concrete and fast to solve the problem because you’re the mayor.”
The mayor blurted out: “These pigs are owned by your relatives and you’re responsible for them, right?”
The vice mayor quickly replied: “Yes, my in-laws!”
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For our food delights corner: I’m shifting my attention to snack or merienda time. It is simply a great idea to consider bringing out strawberry mango rolled ice cream and pancakes. Its summertime, so take time for this wonderful treat for your family, loved ones or friends. Just add chilled pineapple juice. Don’t forget to pray for all these blessings.
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Finally, here are some thoughts for our dear readers: “A kind man benefits himself, but the cruel person brings trouble on himself.” Proverbs 11:17
“Raised to their extremes, all virtues become vices” Judith Bardwick
“Character is a completely fashioned will” John Stewart Mill
“Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into fire. So by their fruits you will know them.” Mathew 7:15-20
“Climate change is about social justice. A church is committed to defend and serve the poor and must work to find solutions that will have its greatest impact on the poorest countries, communities and families.” Pope Francis**
