By Anthony A. Araos
We need to put our heads together to put up a strategy to include these projects in the national budget for next year. This is the key.. ”
Well, some provincial government figures want the days leading up to the much-touted “Ifugao infrastructure inspection tour” from Oct. 1 to 3 at Lamut, Lagawe and Alfonso Lista towns (with key stops at Banaue, Mayoyao and Aguinaldo) to whiz by.
Development is not a solo act. Congressman Solomon Chungalao, Governor Jerry Dalipog and Vice Governor Glenn Prudenciano must work together to make it happen.
Together, the triumvirate can make a big difference in the lives of Ifugao folks. There’s strength in numbers. With the provincial government’s comprehensive infrastructure master plan, there will be a turnaround of the economy. The groundbreaking ceremony of the irrigation project and the opening of a road at Alfonso Lista are a good start. The congressman, governor and vice governor worked side-by-side, hand-in-hand for these vital projects. This stresses the importance of teamwork. These projects form part of the province’s over-all development strategy plan which aims to boost Ifugao’s economy and reduce poverty.
In the past these highly-placed officials figured in endless squabbles and bickering over the allocation of project funds. Each official thought in terms of “I” rather than “We”.
Getting fund allocation for a major road project- for instance, the 65-kilometer Dulao, Lagawe-Namnama, Alfonso Lista Road is a big challenge. A road can be opened but without an allocation from Congress as an item in the General Appropriations Act of 2021 or the national budget, it can’t be concreted. Efforts need to be exerted to include these projects in the budget for next year.
There are surely operational issues affecting these projects. For instance, the planned Ifugao Sports Complex for which the provincial government has allotted Php 50 million to acquire the land to build it on. Apparently, there is a problem in sourcing the money required for its construction. My esteemed friend Godfrey Dominong of IGEMCO said it is coming from quarrying operations. Sounds like another rumor. In fact, it is the silliest idea I’ve ever heard. The construction of this complex should be covered by congressional funds.
We need to put our heads together to put up a strategy to include these projects in the national budget for next year. This is the key. We need these infrastructures to spur our economy and provide better lives to all the folks in Ifugao.
-oOo-
Finally, here are thoughts, dear readers: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Chinese proverb
“Be quick to settle matters.” Matthew 5:25**
