By Anthony A. Araos
Learn, enjoy, relax and eat.
Citing such actions to be taken at the vast corn fields in Alfonso Lista town in Ifugao, I’m recommending these places to be visited by local and foreign tourists.
This is in support of the government’s “farm tourism” program throughout the Philippines. Surely, if fully harnessed by both the Duterte and Mayam-o administrations, the wonderful sights of the Alfonso Lista corn fields are valuable to the agriculture and tourism industries. Ultimately, this strengthens the views of Sen. Cynthia Villar on the significance of “farm tourism” (otherwise known as agri-tourism) in rural Philippines.
Once in Alfonso Lista, the next best thing to do is to sample its nutritious corn variety. By the way, in relation to my commentary on the ASEAN integration plan, wouldn’t it be logical to export this produce to other ASEAN neighbors. There is no question as to the corn’s world-class quality. Don’t ever hesitate to do so. For now, the fastest and most convenient way to get to the town is the route via Isabela, particularly passing through Santiago City.
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In the coming six months or so, it is imperative for Governor Mayam-o, Vice Governor Gullitiw and the ten board members to prepare Ifugao for the upcoming ASEAN integration program.
In short, this requires the province to be globally competitive.
It is but fitting and proper that the people of Ifugao be given the full opportunity to know what this program is all about and prepare them in all related discussions and activities as initiated by the officialdom.
Is Ifugao ready for the ASEAN integration program? I’m afraid to say it is obviously not.
The integration of the economies of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations emphasizes the need for the Philippines to scale up its industries to cater to the big but underserved market for its products. The same holds true for Ifugao.
With a growing need of the burgeoning market for woodcarving products, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan should remain steadfast in giving Ifugao woodcarvers ample support. Subsidy is something that anyone in this industry would want to look for. The provincial government should also subsidize the fees paid by the Ifugao exhibitors during trade fairs. It’s like saying that the loose ends should be tied too. At the end of the day, what woodcarvers look for are new markets for their products and these are no other than the ten nations of the ASEAN.
Brunei Darussalam, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam comprise the ASEAN. Imagine such a vast market for these well-crafted woodcarving gems of Ifugao. And that’s only one product. How about its wines, jewelries, wallets and rice among others?
In this regard, it is high time for Governor Mayam-o to come up with innovative and sustainable program to all stakeholders of the woodcarving industry in terms of credit, promotion and marketing.
This is why the public-private partnership is very important for accelerating the growth of this industry as an integral part of the over-all development program of the Mayam-o administration. Indeed, the contribution of the private sector is instrumental for the success of the Mayam-o administration’s thrust for economic development.
The development of a strong partnership with the private sector is undoubtedly vital, thus, it is suggested that Governor Mayam-o hold business meetings with concerned parties. It is hoped that such gatherings will result in action plans on the specific directives from the Office of the Governor and map out the progress of the priority projects set forth by the public and private sectors.
Certainly, it is time to tackle macroeconomic issues in relation to the ASEAN integration program vis-à-vis its endless opportunity in helping secure the future of the people of Ifugao.
There is such a thing as a collective effort, not just to fight poverty in Ifugao but also, in building a vibrant economy, thus, responding to the people’s needs in these ever-changing times.
Let me share a thought from Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Director Valentin Baguidudol during our conversation. “Ifugao woodcarvers need to sell their products to traders in Manila who in turn are selling it abroad,” he pointed out.
Well, isn’t it better to establish direct access to the ASEAN markets? When this happens and there is a high demand for Ifugao products and with a subsequent increase in commercial activity, infrastructure, banks, educational institutions and business establishments (such as malls and 24-hour convenient stores) shall surely dot the Ifugao landscape. In short, this is what the ASEAN integration program is all about.
The Mayam-o administration must create a comprehensive program that recognizes and capitalizes the potentials and competencies of woodcarvers and those engaged in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). By developing their capabilities and expand, the competitiveness of Ifugao-based SMEs and their products are increased. Henceforth, the SMEs are transformed into enablers of growth and development in the areas where they serve.
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Lagawe Central School is the biggest public elementary school in Ifugao. It has 45 teaching and non-teaching personnel. About 1,126 pupils are enrolled here. It is one of the most important educational institutions in the province.
Yet, there is no canteen for its young learners. They buy their snacks at small stalls inside the school.
I only saw it fit for the Department of Education (DepEd) to address this problem.
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Over at Namilangan National High School, youthful students have to contend with a longstanding problem on the lack of a stage for holding of important programs or ceremonies. The school is located at Barangay Namilangan of Alfonso Lista town. It needs an allocation of about Php100,000.
Likewise, I am pleased to endorse this project. It will be so difficult to say that the stage construction project is not important at all.
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A school should have a learning environment that encourages thinking among the learners and mentoring by the teachers. Without a doubt, the school is the place to mold the minds of the young in order to transform them into productive, law-abiding and morally-upright members of society.
Thus, there is no excuse whatsoever not to provide a canteen for Lagawe Central School and a stage for Namilangan High School. Not an excuse nor an alibi.
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Contrary to what others are saying, Ifugao Board Member Clemente Bongtiwon of Banaue is primed to perform well at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
He reports to work at his office from Monday to Friday. He actively takes part when the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is in session each Tuesday.
I commend Board Member Bongtiwon for articulating the Sanggunian Panalalawigan’s core purpose: to serve the people. Thus far, and this early, he is giving his best service to the province and its people. Needless to say, his generous and strong compassion in addressing the fundamental needs of the elderly, educators and farmers is most laudable. Keep up the excellent work! God bless and Mabuhay!**
