LAGAWE, IFUGAO – – Although there has been a growing interest among politicians of joining the ruling PDP-Laban (Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan) party for convenience through the federalism route, there are still many who are unaware why former Ifugao Rep. Solomon Chungalao is genuinely for the shift to a federal form of government with or without being politically aligned with President Duterte.
“I’m in favor of federalism if certain conditions are met,” he said.
In an exclusive interview with the ZigZag Weekly, Chungalao noted the mounting interest of the people in Ifugao on the discussions on the proposed new charter for the Philippines. He centered on the manner of collecting the revenues of local government units. “Bigger apportionment of taxes collected should go to the federal states first and not the main or central federal unit in Metro Manila,” he pointed out.
Consultative Committee members, who drafted the proposed constitution, said they have addressed this concern by decentralization of powers and doing away with the practice of “Imperial Manila” calling the shots in allocating resources of the country to the detriment of the welfare of those in rural areas.
Chungalao, also a lawyer and is regarded as one of the most illustrious lawmakers in Ifugao, said that he supported the federalism shift, so long as the people are the beneficiaries.
Chungalao also confirmed his plan to run for congressman in the 2019 midterm elections. But he did not say which political party is fielding him. “I think that given the chance, Atty. Chungalao will run under the party identified with Davao City Mayor Sarah Duterte,” said a vocal supporter of him. He failed to wrest the congressional seat from then re-electionist Teodoro Baguilat Jr. of the Liberal Party (LP) in the last two polls. Nonetheless, Chungalao nearly unseated him when they faced each other in 2013.
Another supporter from Asipulo urged Chungalao to run again for the same position as an independent. She said many like her in the farming sector also share PDP-Laban’s commitment to push for a federal form of government but, are not backing the administration party’s bets for their unmistakable images as “trapos” (traditional politicians) and “balimbings” (turncoats).
If the elections were to be held today, Chungalao (who is poised for a comeback in different circumstances since oppositionist Rep. Baguilat is on his third and last term) does well in a six-cornered fight. A board member, who asked not to be identified, said a significant number of residents believe Chungalao will be a formidable candidate based on his track record and ability to gather votes.
In his inspirational message at the grounds of Camp Col. Joaquin Dunuan, Chungalao exhorted residents to contribute to the task of nation-building with the thought of being inspired and guided by the heroism of Col. Dulnuan made possible through perseverance, determination, conviction and love of country. The facility is chiefly used by Philippine National Police (PNP) officers and personnel.
There isn’t always such an explanation to why some Filipinos opted to resist rather than collaborate with the dreaded Japanese invaders, unfortunately. Emerita Dunuan-Allaga of Lamut provided an insightful view of what went through the mind and heart of Col. Dunuan at that time. I was told that he said: “My duty to our nation is primary and is over and above anything else.” “I was touched and I cried,” she recounted. Mrs. Allaga is a daughter of Col. Dulnuan.
And that’s the point. A paragon of motherly self-control with a trim figure and parlor-styled short hair, Mrs. Allaga also seems permanently resolved and determined with her mission to teach the present generation of the ideals her courageous father stood and fought for during the Japanese occupation. She is a woman who speaks her mind openly, strongly, emotionally and, at times, even plainly whether addressing a mammoth crowd like at this at a place commonly but, erroneously referred to by Ifugao folks as the “barracks” or with a small group of friends in advancing her advocacies for the pro-Duterte, pro-federalism Kilusang Pagbabago (KP) as one of the key officers of its Ifugao Chapter.
Col. Dunuan served as commander of the 3rd Battalion, 11th Infantry of the United States Armed Forces in the Philippines-Northern Luzon (USAFIP-NL) in the liberated areas of Ifugao, Bontoc, Kalinga, Apayao and Cagayan provinces during the war.
He was captured, imprisoned and tortured by the Japanese forces. He managed to escape from his captors in prison and formed a guerilla unit. Numerous atrocities were committed by the Japanese invaders. This will include excesses against the so-called “comfort women.” To this day, the Japanese government refuses to issue a formal apology.
Col. Dunuan also served the defunct Philippine Constabulary and later the Philippine Army in various positions until his retirement on May 9, 1960.
He was born on September 11, 1903 at barangay Bae in Kiangan. He died on May 12, 1976.
A mass was celebrated by Fr. Francis Balacquit before the program, also attended by Banaue Mayor Jerry Dalipog. Ifugao PNP Dircetor Police Sr. Supt. Mark Pespes, Atty. Evelyn Dunuan, Norberta Gallman, Antonio Crespillo, Scarlet Concepcion, Dr. Estela Ablao, Manuel Dunuan Jr. and Ferdinand Dunuan also took part in the program. Kins, relatives and descendants of Col. Dunuan, PNP officers and employees, guests and provincial government workers were also in attendance.
A significant milestone in the history of Ifugao had been reached last July 6 but, it was not the end of the quest to accord fitting honors the late Col. Joaquin Dunuan. Outside of the camp, many paid little attention to the bravery and heroism of Col. Dunuan. This scribe is earnestly working for the declaration of May 12 annually as the “Col. Joaquin P. Dunuan Memorial Day in Ifugao by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to allow the people a time to pay tribute to his acts of gallantry and patriotism. Why this further step was ever considered necessary is not difficult to determine.
The two-day program for Col. Dunuan was capped by a grand reunion of the Dunuan clan in Lamut. The activities were deeply meaningful because the organizers invested hours of time and energy as well as resources into creating something unique just for the man who was steadfast in his conviction and love for the nation. He would have loved to hear more about the most meaningful, heartfelt tributes given to him. The performance of extraordinary deeds by Col. Dunuan should be told loudly by all means to the entire province as well to the present and incoming generations. Until you see Ifugao folks- old and young alike, speak proudly of Col. Dunuan’s greatness—the ignorance of the people of his heroic acts isn’t impossible to imagine. This step is meant not only to hail the “selfless” work of Col. Dunuan, but to help create an awareness and consciousness of the values of discipline, hard work and love of God and country strongly embedded in his heart. **By Anthony A. Araos
