By Anthony A. Araos
This early, I’m sounding loudly the enormous potentials of Alfonso Lista and Mayoyao towns in the tourism program. There are countless destinations these two fast-emerging towns are offering to local and foreign tourists. A package tour of Alfonso Lista and Mayoyao attractions is indeed a great idea. It’s a great trip they can surely afford this year. For one, lodging accommodations for both towns offer economy rooms equipped with amenities.
After two or so days of having weary bones after a Mt. Pulag climb, it is time to experience a fantastic combo trip to Alfonso Lista and Mayoyao.
Exciting and challenging this adventure-filled travel pack follows visits to a famed rice terraces in Mayoyao and popular migratory bird sanctuary in Alfonso Lista, encountering numerous instances of memorable experiences with local folks, and eventually bringing home fond memories after the trip.
Mayors Edralin Alipio of Alfonso Lista and Jimmy Padchanan Jr. of Mayoao may even work along the line of promoting their towns as investment and tourism destinations. There is nothing to lose in such a venture.
Further, cooperation in the field of agriculture is possible. Think about improving farm-to-market roads. Joint venture projects may be pursued in improvement or construction of irrigation systems, post-harvest facilities, production facilities as well as seed facilities.
What are rice and rambutan to Mayoyao are corn and dragon fruit to Alfonso Lista. Both are predominantly farming towns. Cooperation to increase crop stocks and ensure buffer harvests may well be the solution to addressing the lack of inclusive growth and the failure of real growth in the agriculture sector of these towns.
To Mayors Alipio and Padchanan: Look for a creative partnership!
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Here is a timely and relevant recommendation to Alfonso Lista Mayor Alipio. Adoption of a new good governance mantra in the town as follows: “At ALista: the Best Ka! Every Body Active” It is a fitting move following the town’s conferment late last year as a national awardee of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) of the Department of the Interior and Local Governments (DILG).
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Since January 1, 2019, thousands of Ifugao folks have benefitted from the invaluable contributions of some individuals- both from the public and private sectors. Of course, the countdown ended on December 31, 2019. Now, it’s your turn to know this columnist’s choices for the “Twenty 2019 Newsmakers of Ifugao.”
This puts a distinctive stamp on the true character of a leader. To my mind, these newsmakers are true leaders!
They include Representative Solomon Chungalao, Governor Jerry Dalipog, Vice Governor Glenn Prudenciano, Alfonso Lista Mayor Edralin Alipio, Kiangan Mayor Andrei Raldis Bulayungan, Lamut Mayor Mariano Buyagawan, Mayoyao Mayor Jimmy Padchanan Jr., Aguinaldo Vice Mayor Tony Chilagan, Alfonso Lista Vice Mayor Agapito Dominguez Jr., Kiangan Vice Mayor Michelle Baguilat, Alfonso Lista Councilor Virginia Dinagtuan, Department of Trade and Industry Provincial Director Valentin Baguidudol, Lagawe Multi-Purpose Development Cooperative general manager and chief executive officer Charles Balachawe, former Board Member Robert Humiwat, Lagawe Poblacion South Punong Barangay Chresente Da-ang, Officer-in-Charge MLGOO Florita Narciza of the DILG, 30th Southeast Asia (SEA) Games gold medalists James Balabal of Tinoc and Gay Liwanen of Kiangan, Father John Habawel of Lagawe and Alfonso Lista Tourism Council president Jesus Domingo.
A leader to remain in his or her role as such should have his or her leadership on sound principles and understanding and care of the people around him or her. He or she must be sensitive to the feelings and thoughts of those above and below him or her. He or she must endeavor to gain the affection, confidence and respect of others by good deeds or examples.
All told, leadership is not just about winning in the polls or getting an appointment for a key position at the office, it’s about having the respect of all your personnel and having respect for all people.
To the 20 Newsmakers for 2019 of Ifugao: Congratulations, Godspeed and Mabuhay!
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New Year’s greetings to Baguio City Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan. Keep up the excellent work! I’m praying that under your strong stewardship at the City Council every resident will be assisted at all times to grow continuously to attain his or her maximum potential.
Moreover, I’m hoping that Vice Mayor Olowan doubles his efforts in pursuing programs, projects and activities at the Baguio City government, in general, and the Sangguniang Panlungsod, in particular, tailored specially to the ideals, economy, culture and traditions of the nation’s summer capital.
Then (during his long tenure as Councilor) and now, my esteemed friend Vice Mayor Tino Olowan is busy. Correction: Vice Mayor Tino Olowan is so busy and even busier since he assumed the position as the city’s second highest official. My recommendation to the personnel at the office is rather simple and so please tell visitors when meeting him to be prepared and in dealing with him be brief. A top local executive’s time is limited. He has to pack twenty times normal action and accomplishment into his daily work, thus, conserving time is a very big problem for him. He doesn’t even have time for himself and his family. He’ll appreciate much-needed help to save time!
Again, to Vice Mayor Atty. Faustino Olowan: God bless and Mabuhay!
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I saw 16 European tourists waiting for their Banaue rides at the Ohayami Trans terminal at Sampaloc, Manila on Dec. 27. They stood up for hours while Ifugao folks were comfortably seated on the chairs. Too bad, these Ifugao passengers seemingly were not aware of the fact that foreign tourists are contributing a lot to the economy of Ifugao, one of the poorest provinces in the Philippines. Can this nearly everyday scene at the said terminal persist in 2020 and beyond with perhaps an even more sinister threat—the place is so dirty and the comfort rooms are operating without water. Even before these visitors reach Banaue, Ifugao folks should show Filipino hospitality. Is that too much for the asking?
The least the management of this bus firm is capable of doing at this point is reserving ample chairs for foreign tourists with the following sign: “Reserved seats for foreign tourists while waiting for their trips.” Of course, with translation to avoid any excuse or alibi!
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For our food delights corner: January is usually a time of the year when most Filipinos have a difficulty of making both ends meet. The Christmas bonus all went to shopping sprees here and there. They even went to deficit spending sprees.
It is time to go back preparing for less costly meals for the family and loved ones. It is always practical to have less expensive meals at the table. How about a meal of fried deboned tilapia (fish), adobong kangkong and steamed rice? One may add an all-time favorite Philippine soup on the side. I just saw a deboned tilapia produce at Alfonso Lista town during its Christmas Bazaar program. For appetizers and dessert: gelatin, bananas and chilled guyabano juice.
The culture of food of a nation is the expression of the people’s way of thinking, acting and feeling. There is nothing wrong for one to eat grilled fish spiced with “bagoong” and tomatoes if the budget is not enough to buy beef and chicken. High cost of living and food hunger are always interconnected.
Don’t forget to pray to the Almighty Creator for additional blessings in the coming months of the year.
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Blooper in Ifugao: A good-for-nothing, inept and incompetent official, who brought his son to a Christmas party of 2,000 followers, finally realized his shortcomings and wrongdoings when he said in his speech: “I’m sorry my beloved constituents and I’ll do better in 2020. In fact, I have three New Year’s resolutions.” For one, I don’t have to be reminded of being present at flag ceremonies. Secondly, I don’t have to be reminded of being present at the session hall. Thirdly, I don’t have to be reminded of conducting public hearings. No applause was heard. His son whispered: “Papa, you’re an official known for not breaking a promise!”
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Unlimited odd thoughts unloaded: The Ifugao delegation- composed of athletes, coaches and officials, to the forthcoming Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) Meet in Baguio City is reportedly facing a huge budgetary shortage to the tune of PhP1.5 million. It is surely a significant amount and easily affect the overall performance of the province. Particularly, in terms of Ifugao’s projected run for a respectable finish in the medals standing. Over the years, budgetary requirements for vitamins of competitors are on top of the agenda in the CARAA. At a meeting of Department of Education (DepEd) mentors and sports officials with some provincial government officials, Board Members Orlando Addug and Clemente Bongtiwon each pledged to give PhP5,000 to augment the PhP8.5 million Ifugao budget. PhP10,000 is good as it is, but far, far and far enough to meet the targeted PhP1,5 million gap. However, there is still a practical solution to this longstanding man-made problem of Ifugao, an impoverished province blessed with rich resources. I’ll discuss it at length at my incoming commentary.
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Finally, here are some thoughts for our dear readers: “Every Good and Perfect gift is from above.” James 1:17
“Commit to the Lord what you can do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3
“The weight of the Ampatuans’ convictions was affirmed in a paper written in June 2007 by the Action for Economic Reforms. The group said that the Ampatuans’ monopoly of political power in Maguindanao had the blessings of the central government and that the clan was dependent on the Palace’s patronage. That they had been a close ally of then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo since 2001 was doubtless a primary factor in their reckoning. How valuable the clan was in Malacanang was demonstrated by the official results of the 2004 presidential elections: Arroyo won a thumping victory in Maguindanao, with her opponent, the actor Fernando Poe Jr., notching an unbelievable zero in at least three towns. (Philippine Daily Inquirer editorial) **
