By Anthony A. Araos
Ifugao officials shall continue to face serious problems related to environmental protection in 2026 if honest-to-goodness solutions are not pursued in the coming months.
Environmental degradation problem in the province’s 11 towns should not be viewed lightly. In particular, massive cutting of trees in forest areas has taken a heavy toll in Ifugao’s two geographical districts.
Reforestation efforts are needed to save bald mountains. These effects are surely terrifying on so many communities even before super typhoon Uwan struck Ifugao late last year. Up to this time, the province is still struggling just to recover and get back on its knees.
Thus, the clamor to plant trees strongly resonates across the province. Aguinaldo, a farming town of 16 villages in the second district, is no exception. It is certainly most helpful to the cause of regreening this upland Cordillera province.
There are, however, certain “disheartening” developments out here to the detriment of the people’s welfare. For one, the popular “muyong” program on the tree planting of the former vice governor Glenn Prudenciano has been forgotten by most folks. In short, it’s simply “abandoned” for good.
Then “Kaingin” practice widely persists. “Kaingin” is illegal, but uneducated folks say otherwise.
I discussed recently these matters with an official of Hingyon town. He said there’s nothing wrong at all with town folks into them. Sounds like “it’s okay not to be OK.” “Are you kidding?” I asked him even twice. “This is ridiculous,” I told him.
Anyhow, I’m not giving up at all.
I also asked three youngsters of Barangay Chalalo in Aguinaldo this query, “Have you ever planted a tree?” For this question begs to be asked as the town ushers a new chapter of its history.
Well, they all answered in the negative. Now, I’m committed to make a turnaround in a not so hopeless situation. Municipal officials, led by Mayor Clemente Talusig, barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials, even Sangguniang Bayan (SB) secretary and former Sangguniang Panlalawigan board member James Frederick Dulnuan, and community and private sector leaders are aware of the problem.
On the other hand, former provincial agriculturist Domingo Mariano is in a position to help this town (as well as all others) achieve the goals of a massive tree-planting program. At one time, he mentioned of the “success story” of the program backed up by the Italian government and another national agency. It is just a matter of knocking at their doors at the soonest time. I have a feeling that it’s not even a matter of “how much” to request from them.
Assisting Mr. Mariano, engaging, lending a helping hand and guiding Mayor Talusig- also known as environmental advocate, is part of this columnist’s mission to not only save the environment but also to serve the public.
Planting trees- whether fruit-bearing or for shade purposes, anywhere and everywhere in Aguinaldo is undoubtedly essential.
In this venture, young leaders are enriched in every way, strengthen by their resolve, sustained by their vitality. Importantly, may I enjoin the SK to actively support this initiative through its Hapag sa Barangay program.
It is my fervent hope and prayer that all Aguinaldo municipal officials have the courage to stand up for environmental protection! I urge the Aguinaldo officialdom to take the lead in the regreening effort as a meaningful relief to the problem since Ifugao is still far, far away from solving woes as soil erosion, floods and landslides due to large scale tree-cutting activities of undisciplined folks.**
