By Anthony A. Araos
Moving around the bustling town of Alfonso Lista is not difficult. The roads are well-paved. A reason why the Ifugao provincial government opted to stage this year’s Provincial Athletic Association Meet there.
Alfonso Lista, nestled on a plateau and surrounded by mountains on the north and on the west, is so close to Isabela province. Often times, one has the impression that it is a part of Isabela. It is actually situated at the foot of the mammoth Cordillera mountains. Among the chief attractions of the town is the Magat River and Magat Dam, also a good portion of it belonging to Isabela.
This December, happiness comes in the form of watching the different events of the provincial meet at various venues.
-o0o-
Most of the mountainous towns of Ifugao, which constitute more than half of the area of the province, are covered by relatively rich soil. The most fertile soil is a rich red earth found in Banaue.
This red-earth variety is high in iron content and less in humus. This is precisely the reason why agriculture is the dominant industry of the town. With a good portion of the land area devoted to agriculture, about 40% of the economically-active population is engaged in farming. Principal crops produced include rice and vegetables.
Banaue is known for its “tinawon” rice. It is one of the best varieties of this popular rice.
It is, therefore, so important that the next Mayor of Banaue continue pursuing a pro-agriculture, pro-farmer agenda during his or her tenure. Mayor Jerry Dalipog is presently serving his third and last term. The highly-admired mayor is reportedly eyeing a bid for governor. A position he richly deserves.
Despite the fact that Banaue’s soil is fertile, farmers remained poor. Banaue’s next mayor should work hard for the welfare of farmers. People are putting in power a new mayor in 2019 for him or her to devote time to improve the conditions of these farmers.
Why is it that despite the problems the farmers are facing, people see no solution from the government? Why are they not doing anything?
In my view, agriculture is not a top priority of the officialdom. Strange, when the country’s main industry is agriculture.
Henceforth, the challenge for Mayor Dalipog’s worthy successor is to prioritize the agriculture sector.
The issue is central to increasingly active role of farmers in the town’s socio-economic affairs.
Those of the well-meaning and well-informed voters of Banaue naturally looked up to the candidates’ platform of governance as a wellspring of information on their plans of constructing farm-to-market roads and post-harvest facilities. A scrutiny of their plans and guiding the less educated voters on this matter make a profound difference in both the lives of the masses and the outcome of the polls.
To enable the people to know their position on the agriculture sector and all other concerns, mayoralty bets should appear and even engage in a debate in a public forum.
This is why if you make a promise to the electorate to construct a communal irrigation system in a remote village, you better make sure you deliver on the promise. No ifs, no buts!
Better conditions and future for the cash-strapped farmer.
Great character defines a Mayor who cares for the cash-starved farmer.
From all the looks of it, it’s a three-cornered race for Mayor here. One is running under the administration PDP-Laban party. The other is the opposition LP candidate. The third one is an independent. Whoever emerges winner, he or she should look after the interests and welfare of the people.
It is my wish and prayer that the next Mayor shall be able to transform Banaue as the next economic provincial performer on the back of a robust agriculture and tourism industries.
-o0o-
This year’s Division Schools Press Conference of Ifugao was held recently principally at the Ifugao SPED Center and three other venues. It was generally a highly-successful program and credit goes to OIC Schools Division Superintendent Felipe Ballitoc.
Congratulations to all the winners (who are to compete next at the regional level scheduled in Tabuk City (in Kalinga province), as well as the other not-so-lucky contestants of various events, teachers, proctors and officials who took part in this all-important endeavor.
One other notable observation to share at this juncture is the grossly unfair payment of a public elementary pupil and high school student of a registration fee of Php 50 to take part in the said activity. This also holds true with a public school teacher (who acts as school paper adviser) to be paying Php 60 as a registration fee.
For pupils and students of public schools Php 50 is surely a big amount of money. They are mostly sons and daughters of poor farmers; while their teachers are practically receiving lowly salaries. In fact, they are underpaid.
I can’t help wondering, in light of the high cost of living and high poverty incidence in Ifugao, if these young and promising campus scribes had been given instead a subsidy by the government to lessen their burden.
Ironically, the conference’s theme “Embracing ASEAN Integration: Campus Journalists’ Role in Advancing Inclusive Education” was heralded by the activity’s organizers. It was supposed to make sure no one is left behind in educating the young, but that doesn’t seem to be happening.
I asked why a poor campus journalist of a public school can’t compete in such activity simply because he or she doesn’t have the money to pay for the registration fee. Alas, there wasn’t enough money of an impoverished farmer to shoulder the cost of joining the conference. This isn’t the idea of how a press conference should work.
The Philippines journalism field is in need of fresh blood. Reforms that provide subsidies to vital concerns as this one are in order. As long as we remember that education should get the largest allocation of the budget’s pie, it will remain the nation’s highest priority at all times, unperturbed by any silly excuse or alibi. If not, the need to scrap these unreasonable registration fees arises.
Attention: Education Secretary Leonor Briones. Uncalled for registration fees as this one militates against the poor and the marginalized.
The big irony is that the Constitution clearly states that the underprivileged deserve a greater degree of protection, so that despite of their pitiful situation, they can be empowered to rise above themselves and their poverty.
I have full trust and confidence that Secretary Briones shall act on this matter and fight for the people’s interests.
-o0o-
Over the years, the foreign trips of provincial and municipal government officials here have been a contentious issue for many. Of lately, travelling abroad among them has reached a high level.
Many of them would have the people believe that their trips are necessary, but were unable to file even a terminal report when the law says so. As called for, they should submit said report within a 15-day period after arrival.
As to why I am now belaboring this issue is simply because while most projects in the province are underfunded, officials have the penchant to spend money and time outside of the country.
For an impoverished province like Ifugao, it is absolutely foolish to say that this is not a time for public servants to be frugal. Unnecessary foreign trips should be avoided so as to save the province’s scarce resources. Just stay in the province and instead attend to its pressing problems. Officials should not charge on foreign travel. Junket trips should altogether be banned.
-o0o-
On the matter of the plan of the Bunhian Barangay Council (in Aguinaldo town of Ifugao) to realign Php 400,000 for the construction of Guitang-Galonogan farm-to-market to a barangay lot/compound improvement project, someone clearly messed it up.
The plan was flatly rejected by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is not among the projects that were approved in 2016 and 2017 Annual and Supplemental Investment Plans.
Now, questions worth answering are cropping up. For one, was the realignment plan ever presented before the barangay assembly? Who was in charge of preparing the Annual and Supplemental Plans for said fiscal years? Is the proposed barangay lot/compound improvement work far more important than the farm-to-market road? Was a public hearing or consultation ever conducted at all on this matter? If so, is the plan posted in three conspicuous places in accordance with the barangay full disclosure policy? What ever happened to the Php 400,000 outlay at this point in time? Were there any advices given to them by their municipal government officials? And lastly, who bungled the job?
-o0o-
By 2019, what is the role of Ifugao women voters as the province reaches a cross road of its history. Women voters constitute nearly 65% of the voters. A cause analysis is imperative that will come away with the deeper understanding of what is in store for them by putting into office more women candidates. In turn, women officials are the drivers of economic growth, sustainable development and democratic governance.
-o0o-
For the food delights corner: Lechon paksiw, rice and fried bangus (milkfish). For appetizers: Ceasars salad is the best! For dessert: Leche flan, bananas and chilled black gulaman.
-o0o-
Finally, a thought for our readers: “Where the Spirit the Lord is, there is liberty.” 2 Cor: 3:17.**
