By Anthony A. Araos
opportunity!”
Up until now, hikers are on the lookout for new trails to explore. While some merely plan to hike for a few kilometers, there are those who live the dream of discovering the hidden wonders of the countryside. Many of them are undoubtedly foreign tourists.
Apart from the towns of Asipulo, Banaue and Mayoyao, I’m recommending Barangay Burnay in Lagawe for hikers and trekkers alike to consider for their forthcoming vacation trips. Believe me, hiking trails out here in this village are beyond imagination. So go for it!
A scenic village just outside the main poblacion area of the capital town, Burnay is an ideal site for hikers and trekkers who are seeking newfound adventures. It is known for being a developing barangay for agriculture. There is certainly a learning experience on the farming practices here for local and foreign tourists.
More than the thrills and frills of hiking a stretch of eight kilometers of nature trails, what is there that awaits a hiker or trekker in a Burnay trip? It has something to do with understanding and appreciating the significance of an environmental protection program in the grassroots level. It is, therefore, important for barangay council officials to focus on planting fruit-bearing trees on a massive scale. In particular, I’m strongly recommending avocado, banana, jackfruit trees as well as citrus trees. This is one way of enticing tourists to care for the environment.
In turn, villagers should learn from foreign tourists on how their garbage disposal and collection program is being implemented. I’m pretty sure they’ll learn a lot on how other countries handle toxic waste and the repercussions of the “burning of garbage in open spaces.” In other words, it is not yet too late in the day to re-educate hard-headed Ifugao folks.
Endeavoring to help invigorate the tourism industry in Burnay, may I stress the fact that an end-to-end nature trails experience is an excellent opportunity to know better the barangay. You can’t refuse this opportunity!
-o0o-
Perseverance and persistence to serve the members of the Lagawe Multipurpose Development Cooperative (LMDC) are traits of Mar Lunag, a professor of Ifugao State University (IFSU) at Lagawe campus. He is running for board director in the forthcoming LMDC elections.
Also a farmer by heart and practice, Lunag is well-qualified to serve the LMDC in such capacity. Over the years, he has been an active LMDC member. He is bringing into office a vast wealth of experience in the academe and agriculture. A victory in the much-awaited LMDC polls is certainly a sweet reward for his dedication and invaluable contributions to the cooperative.
In the LMDC’s quest to elevate itself into greater heights after experiencing ups and downs in recent times, it can be interpreted that the main actor in the February polls is the board director. It has been said that board directors matter because of the powerful role they have on the direction the cooperative is taking in the coming years. They are supposed to make decisions with the aim of promoting the common good. Thus, members have their responsibilities as well. They have to vote wisely at the right time. Instead of limiting your focus on blood ties, it should delve into the platform of governance to bring about meaningful changes. Candidates for all positions at stake should provide members with sufficient information about their qualification, training and plans.
For Mr. Lunag this is one step forward in further strengthening his resolve to make a big difference in the LMDC.
-o0o-
Many are unfazed or untroubled by the low ranking of former Quezon Rep. Lorenzo “Erin” Tanada in the recent Pulse Asia preference survey. They expect him to make it in the “Magic 12” circle on Election Day of the May midterms polls.
The Liberal Party (LP) senatorial candidate appeared to be much, much better than most of the aspirants of the ruling PDP-Laban. Why vote for Erin Tanada? He said he would work on social inclusion or improvement of basic services as well as upgrade the conditions of the people mired in poverty in rural areas. This rings a bell in a poor province like Ifugao. Aside from responding to people’s needs during these difficult economic times, Tanada has committed to dedicate his work at the Senate to find ways to generate economic opportunity and advancement that shall result to more jobs and inclusive growth.
Tanada has a strong commitment to keep the Senate’s independence, promote human rights and propel growth and development in underserved villages so that more and more Filipinos can get access to a life free from poverty and hunger. In almost all villages in Ifugao poverty is rampant. Everybody worries about their financial resources. Unemployment rate is so high. If elected, Tanada shall take the opportunity to bring visionary and decisive leadership at the Senate by pursuing quality legislation. May I also cite his uncompromising dedication to environmental protection and promotion of vital concerns on education, health, business, women, elderly and culture. The country’s development squarely stand on the shoulders of competent, caring and compassionate leaders like Erin Tanada who truly understand the task of achieving inclusive and far-reaching change. Undoubtedly, Erin Tanada is a nationalist, principled and tried and tested leader.
Erin Tanada is the son of former Sen. Wigberto Tanada, chairman of the board of directors of Banco Lagawe. He is a grandson of late Senator Lorenzo Tanada, also an icon of Philippine democracy.
-o0o-
From 2019 to 2022, I’m expecting agriculture to remain as the main industry in Ifugao. This is precisely the reason why the next governor of the province should really focus on attending to the problems of farmers.
It is imperative for the incoming governor to prioritize the agriculture sector from Day 1 of his incumbency. Developing and implementing sound programs that address the inter-related problems of low farm productivity, low and unstable farm income, lack of infrastructure network and mass poverty is the order of the day. In clear and strong terms, the governor should tell the powerful and influential Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP) to allocate resources sufficiently and efficiently on the agriculture sector. This should be done in the maiden or first State-of-the-Province (SOPA) of the governor. There should be two SOPAs to follow as a manifestation of accomplishments by the governor. It is hilarious, to say the least, if President Duterte delivered just one State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) during his six- year tenure.
By working hand-in-hand with the SP, the governor has an option to resort to official intervention and correct substantial market failure in agriculture. There is a profound difference between promising to construct multi-million post-harvest facilities in far-away villages, however silly and stupid, and exercising political will to be able to at least purchase farm implements as a means of increasing farmers’ production capacity.
Sadly, the quality of life of Ifugao farmers remain poorly understood due to ineptness and incompetence of those who call the shots in the corridors of power. Instead of reducing the poverty rate in distant, desolate villages, more poor farmers became poorer. But that is not all. The “poorest of the poor” farmers are affected by the high cost of living brought about by the ill-effects of the TRAIN law.
The governor should also get in touch regularly with the National Food Authority (NFA) office to determine the inventory of rice bags. It is important to know if stocks are sufficient for a certain period of time. The governor should be aware how much is Ifugao’s rice bag consumption per month. Information on rice stocks during harvest time and lean months are vital.
So for now, I’m just praying to the good Lord up above that clowns and crooks don’t end up at the Office of the Governor as well as the Sanggunian Panlalawigan because they’re of no help whatsoever to farmers, most of them living below the poverty line, cope with rising prices. Ifugao folks have seen a lot of them for so long. They served only for entertainment and business purposes. May lightning strike them sooner not later!
The outlook for 2019 to 2022, therefore, is easily dictated by factors that may influence the elections this May in general. It is a three-cornered race among outgoing Rep. Teddy Baguilat Jr., Vice Governor Jose Jordan Gullitiw and Banaue Mayor Jerry Dalipog. I’m expecting a close, down-to-wire contest among the three worthy contenders.
-o0o-
The concern for the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) of Jose Tomas Sr. is widely acknowledged. Yet, he has a heart for the people of Nueva Vizcaya.
His advocacy for the promotion and preservation of the region’s cultural heritage is undisputed. Many are grateful for his genuine concern for the CAR’s indigenous peoples (IPs). He has backed the funding of cultural projects in Ifugao.
Tomas is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tam-an Banaue Multipurpose Cooperative.
The people of the CAR and Cagayan Valley (or Region 2) recognize the notable gains of their regions have been achieved through the tireless efforts of Mr. Tomas. His vision for a better tomorrow has been manifested through impressive tangible results, as Tam-an Banaue Multipurpose Cooperative has rapidly transformed into one of the major cooperatives in northern Luzon.
Grassroots leaders (from the ranks of nongovernment organizations and people’s organizations), local government officials (municipal and barangay government functionaries) and sectoral leaders from both the private and public spheres easily share and embrace the vision of Mr. Tomas for a progressive , peaceful and prosperous Nueva Vizcaya.
If elected in the May midterm polls as the next vice governor of Nueva Vizcaya, Mr. Tomas is bringing into the office a tradition of excellent and enlightened public service of great Cordilleran leaders. He shall be at the forefront of advancing the cause for good governance, inclusive growth and sustainable growth. He shall also endeavor on government policies related to agriculture, education, employment, health and CEO Tomas as well as the men and women of the cooperative. Currently, Tam-an Banaue Multipurpose Cooperative is on the right track with its goal of being ranked among the ten major cooperatives in Luzon island.
-o0o-
Count on the reliability of the Mayoyao national road in boosting Ifugao’s tourism industry. Improvement of this vital road passage has been credited to the all-out support and assistance of Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat Jr.
Once more, Rep. Baguilat demonstrated selfless service which impacts the greater many. The road project is a major step in ensuring safe, fast and better mobility of people and goods in the second district of the province. Today, Ifugao folks celebrate the fact of enjoying the all-weather Mayoyao national road that has provided an excellent opportunity to spur economic development in this integral part of the province. It gives them for good more reasons to enjoy life at this critical juncture of history and this matter most by any account. Indeed, this road project has connected towns, communities and families. Likewise, farm products are easily transported. It would be an understatement in describing the horrible conditions of most roads in Ifugao over the years. Incidentally, people do not take kindly to being burdened for many years enduring long travel due to rough and unpaved roads.
It is hoped that many other major national roads in Ifugao could be included in the government’s “Build, Build, Build” program.
-o0o-
For our food delights corner: I’m still telling my Ifugao friends not to miss dropping by Jollibee, McDonalds or KFC every time they venture out of the province. Buy your hamburgers in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, Baguio City or Quezon City in Metro Manila. If not preparing a 100% pure been hamburger with bacon and cheese is simply a great treat for your loved ones at snack time. Don’t forget the lettuce, tomato, onion and cucumber. Yummy with a generous serving of mayonnaise, catsup and pickle relish.
-o0o-
Finally, some thoughts for our readers: “The Lord will guard us, as a Shepherd guards his flock,” Jer 317:10
“A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” A lingering one since my elementary school days.**
