By Anthony A. Araos
Everyone in the region and beyond has truly a great stake in promoting Mayoyao town as the next tourism gem of Ifugao.
So this time around, I’m recommending Mt. Amuyao in this scenic town for local and foreign tourists to visit. Particularly, this is an exciting place for trekkers and other mountain climbers.
There are some similarities of this site with Mt. Pulag, another popular spot in Kabayan, Benguet for visitors. Experience its chilly wind at the peak and you’ll be glad and agree that a trip to Mt. Amuyao is an excellent idea after all.
Find everything up nice and close in Mayoyao– from Mayoyao Hostel to Mt. Amuyao’s cool mountain weather, they are all there to see and enjoy.
Tourists will be glad to see Mt. Amuyao and other attractions in Mayoyao. I’m sure that Mayor Ronie Lumayna and Vice Mayor Jimmy Padchanan Jr. are going to welcome visitors with warm and open arms and are likely to quip: “Whether you’re here for Mt. Amuyao or another site, we can offer you the very best of Mayoyao!”
Looking for an ideal vacation place in the remaining months of 2017? The search ends here. Drive your car or take a van (from Baguio City) or a mini-bus (from Lagawe) to Mayoyao. Get captivated! Get thrilled! Could the Mayoyao trip be your best ever yet?
-o0o-
Duit Elementary School, situated at barangay Duit in Kiangan town of Ifugao, is a typical public school in rural Philippines. It was established several years back with the purpose of educating the young and harnessing their potentials to the fullest.
It was constructed in violation of certain building construction measures that was “evidently fatal” since the school lies in a sinking area.
I deem it no longer necessary to ascertain the Who and Why of this grievous error for any meaningful discussion would serve no useful purpose at this time.
To my mind, the more prudent action to take in order to lessen the burden and difficulties of the pupils, teachers and principal Aida Mallanta is help them obtain the much-needed funds for the construction of a new school building at the new (relocated) site.
The unwarranted displacement of affected parties easily incites remedial actions from all well-meaning quarters to protect them from unnecessarily suffering even more.
The Duit Elementary School building is an integral part of the history and cultural heritage of Kiangan.
The Duit Elementary School building is a reminder of a struggle as a people for providing the economically-disadvantaged an opportunity to have access to quality education.
It must be constructed by all means! Now!
Thus far, I have sent a communication to Governor Pedro Mayam-o, chairman of the Provincial School Board, expressing a sense of concern on the plight of the young learners of the said institution. It reads in part:
“By way of this hand-carried communication, may I bring to the attention of your good office the plight of the pupils, principal and teachers of Duit Elementary School, who are presently burdened by the problem on the lack of classrooms to hold classes in.
All told, the school dangerously lies in a sinking area thus a relocation site was sought and identified for the said purpose. High vulnerability to a major natural disaster has made the Duit Elementary School the pariah of this part of barangay Duit. The Kiangan municipal government reportedly contributed to the outlay earmarked for purchasing the said property. For now, the problem is to come up with substantial funds for the construction of a school building for classrooms.
I cannot accept nor condone the sight of young learners holding classes in makeshift tents, most especially during the rainy season when inclement weather conditions are prevalent. My heart is truly bleeding and my blood is boiling at such a despicable sight.
Verily, may I strongly propose the provision of appropriate funds from the Special Education Funds (SEF) of the Provincial School Board (PSB) to defray- in full or in part, the construction costs of the school building.
Your intercession on this matter shall be recognized as beneficial in furtherance of the objective of advancing the education cause.
As Chairman of the PSB, I have full trust and confidence that you shall respond affirmatively to this proposal in cognizance of the fact that the welfare of the young is at stake. Please give it serious thought and immediate consideration. Before it is too late!
Thank you very much in advance for your attention and continuing support. Cordial regards. God bless and Mabuhay!”
There is an immediate need to address and prioritize this concern to reduce the enormous burden on the pupils (as well as their parents), teachers and Mrs. Mallanta, give them they need including access to water and electricity and innovative learning implements and mechanisms, and secure better outcomes in the most trying conditions.
Impoverished pupils attending their class at a makeshift tent and their mentor painstakingly addressing a host of problems at hand is really a terrible sight to see. It’s a most emotional and shocking experience that would last a lifetime. Too glad, I had the good fortune to have attended elementary and high school in private schools in Metro Manila.
The letter to Governor Mayam-o, who by the way is married to a public school teacher, and continuing initiatives were all borne out of a strong concern for the government’s inability to address the public school system’s varying needs and priorities.
How do you develop the intellect of the young from the marginalized sector when there is no school building at all? All dreams can be pursued, as long as young people work hard, study well and pray. I see this happening at Duit Elementary School. But first put up its school building!
-o0o-
Caring for others defined Budget Officer Virginia Farro. She cared very much for her personnel and all others in the provincial capitol building.
She’s really very good in her work. She is also very accommodating and self-effacing. I remembered her all-out support and assistance during the Committee on Budget and Appropriations hearing last year. The tedious work of Board Member Robert Humiwat, chairman of the said committee, has been enriched by sharing her expertise and guidance on vital matters related to budget preparations and allocations.
Of lately, I gathered she is experiencing a lot of pressures and problems due to a celebrated case dating way back when. Her critics are saying nasty things and saw nothing good in her at all. I don’t buy it!
What I am interjecting at this point is that the problems in the political arena of Ifugao with its almost unbounded competition among political bigwigs and the problem of loyalties within the bureaucracy may well have constituted strong constraints on effective administration.
When political giants figure in a cross fire, there is always an unwilling victim in the middle.
Political prosecution of non-partisan personages in the bureaucracy has already created much uncertainty in many places. As I was saying, fear lurks right in the fact that opposition Rep. Teddy Baguilat Jr. of Ifugao lie in the center of this controversial case, along with Mrs. Farro. An adverse ruling against Rep. Baguilat, a vocal critic of President Duterte, and the equation is rather not complicated- and someone else becomes a collateral damage.
I am saddened and perplexed with the recent developments of the said case. For now, it’s a matter of submitting to the rule of law and appealing the decision.
I doubt Mrs. Farro will traverse a well-paved road any time soon. But for so long she has the support of President Duterte and Governor Mayam-o, allegations hurled against her shouldn’t matter.
– oOo –
For our food delight corner: it’s time to have my favorite kaldereta. Make sure to use beef, tomato sauce and tomato paste and lots of bell peppers. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
It’s great with white rice. What is so important is that the kaldereta is cooked with so much love at the kitchen, Added to this, one may also have daing na bangus (milkfish) at the table for memorable meal with family, loved ones or friends.
For a bestseller meal, consider the following for appetizers: cheese tart, avocado shake and chilled guyabano juice.
It is hoped that the foregoing left a marvelous feeling in the mouth that is best savored on a special occasion. When Filipinos celebrate, they usually celebrate it with the whole family around. This is just one meal in my mind and there are many other delicious ones ready to be served and enjoyed by them. But, remember it is something not too expensive. Delicious food cuisines are prepared to be eaten and enjoyed by the whole family, at no extra cost.
– oOo –
Finally, some thoughts for our readers: “He set my feet on the rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” Psalm 40:1-2
“Emotional leadership is a process that leaders are to influence their followers in a common goal.” A quote from the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago
“If we can get at IS (Islamic State) wallet and its financial coffers in an even more aggressive way, that’s going to have a material effect on their ability to prosecute war.” Former U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power.**
