By Anthony A. Araos
By September 2, all roads will lead to Kiangan (in Ifugao province) for the annual “Victory Day” program.
The September 2 activity in this predominantly upland agriculture town is a major attraction of the province. For its residents are recalling this day in 1945 when Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita of the Japanese Imperial Army surrendered at Kiangan Central School, thus, ending hostilities between the invaders and the Allied nations in the Pacific arena of World War II.
Over the years, the activity was highlighted by a parade. The parade’s participants are noticeably from the ranks of provincial and municipal government departments. Of course, barangay council officials also took part. Messages naturally dwell on the heroism of Filipino guerillas that fought alongside American soldiers during the Japanese occupation.
Isn’t it high time to raise a notch the conduct of celebrating a historic date in Philippine history? For one, in consonance with the ASEAN at 50 Program with the Philippines hosting it I see the practicality of inviting an ambassador of any of the Southeast Asian countries as its Keynote Speaker.
Moreover, I see the urgency and vitality of sending a message to the participants, most especially the young, on the need to emphasize discipline and civic spirit. Above all, instilling a sense of shared destiny among Ifugao residents is necessary to unite the province.
There are many unanswered questions on why there is a divide among Tuwali-speaking and Ayangan-speaking Ifugaos and there is a good reason for people to fall on their knees. There is a good reason to pray for them to work on the same page. If they finally stand side-by-side, hand-in-hand and tackle head-on present-day difficulties in one tongue then there is already an ample reason to say that Victory Day has finally come.
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There is a distinct village in Ifugao where devout believers of the Almighty God have a place and time for their prayers and offerings. I’m, of course, referring to barangay Bangaan in Banaue town.
Apart from its scenic sites, local and foreign tourists should visit the village to reflect on life’s true meaning. It’s so nice to stay here for a day or two on a spiritual retreat. The residents are not only friendly and hardworking but they are also religious. Small wonder, Board Member James Frederick Dulnuan is coming out with a booklet of religious songs in English and Philippine languages as well as an Ifugao dialect.
Many considered Board Member Dulnuan as one of the province’s best hope in any highly-placed position. Dulnuan served the people and Ifugao with distinction in a multitude of other capacities. Given his sterling record as a legislator and my personal knowledge of his caring ways for the people and invaluable contributions to the education sector- if he were mayor, vice governor or congressman- can, in my humble opinion, rise in the torrent and craft a better tomorrow for the province.
It’s been a far from perfect life and so prayers are important. To my mind, barangay Bangaan is poised to be a major mountain resort prayer resort center akin to barangay Dominican Mirador (in Baguio City as envisioned by former Councilor Galo Weygan of the nation’s summer capital.) By the way, tourists are likely to get assistance from Punong Barangay Dominga Na-od.
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A growing number of residents in Ifugao are loudly complaining on the presence of illegal structures and obstructions at national roads.
The unwarranted presence of these obstructions has caused accidents and inconvenience to the public, most especially during the rainy season.
There is indeed a need to heed the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) call to strictly follow its Department Order Number 73, series of 2014- a no-nonsense operational solution regarded as a countermeasure meant to help mitigate the ill-effects of these illegal structures and obstructions at these vital roads. With this, various sectors have sounded a clarion call for immediate and appropriate action to address this problem.
It will be highly appreciated if members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan can express commitment to a planned initiative of Board Member Robert Mangyao for legislated action.
I implore their good judgment, with their approval of a resolution to enable the public to maximize road usage.
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Many felt sad on the untimely passing of DILG-Ifugao Director Rosario Dumelod on August 20, 2017. To the bereaved family: Our heartfelt condolences.
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While reading recently a news story as carried by Manila Bulletin newspaper, I came across information on 5th and 6th class municipalities in the Philippines.
I gathered that there are a number of 4th and 5th municipalities in impoverished Ifugao province.
I simply can’t understand how residents of a 6th class municipality are coping up on harsh conditions of life with high incidence of poverty in their midst. Honestly, the town should be abolished. If not, well its mayor- if has been serving for so many years in such position because of vast wealth enough to influence a sizeable number of stupid voters, should resign. He or she has no business whatsoever staying in office even a second more. If the mayor’s wife (or husband), son, daughter or relative is seeking the same position in 2019, for heaven’s sake, town folks should move out and find shelter elsewhere. It’s a hopeless case for all of you.
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I wish Edna Bohol, executive director of ERJ Communications and Creative Media, good health and fortune and continuing success in her endeavors.
She invited me to be one of the lecturers of a review class for this year’s Licensure Examinations for Teachers (LET). It was held recently at a classroom of the Ifugao State University (IFSU)-Lagawe campus. I lectured on “Current Issues” before 25 education graduates. Good luck on your quest to hurdle the tough board examinations on September 24 in Baguio City.
I vaguely recall being so excited that I exceeded nearly 20 minutes my two-hour morning lecture. The important thing was, regardless of the result of the forthcoming LET exams, I stressed to them that reading newspapers (like ZigZag Weekly and the Philippine Daily Inquirer), magazines and books is so important to keep a tab of what really is going around your community, town, province, region, country, continent and world.
For another, I would also treasure in a glance of their experiences as persevering learners from low-income bracket of society. You don’t have to be rich to succeed in life.
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Apparently the government’s anti-drug drive has taken a strange and worst dimension. Many are saying it has gotten out of hand. The slaying of 12-year-old Kian Loyd de los Santos is a case in point. According to a police report, PO3 Arnel Cuares shot Kian de los Santos, a grade 12 student. This took place recently in Caloocan City. Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II should ensure that people have the right to protection of the law regardless of status.
The Duterte administration has been accused of extrajudicial killings. Most of the victims are poor.
Just like many others, I’m weighing the arguments of the pros and cons of the issue. One side is backing the strong-arm tactics to fight criminality, particularly on drug users, pushers and the likes. The other side is saying otherwise. One of them is Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat who said: “The silence of the House of Representatives is disturbing.” He is seeking a House inquiry on this matter.
How prevalent is the drug menace in the Philippines with over a year of enforcement of stern measures such as Operation Tokhang and Operation Double Barrel?
How much respect for the rule of law is still there in the Philippines these days?
These queries are worth answering. Sadly, many of those in local government units are silent on this score. Timidity also persists among Filipinos- outside of the public sector.
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For our food delights corner: here is something so popular in Central Philippines. I’m, of course, referring to danggit (small dried fish from Cebu province). It’s certainly so good breakfast time, with fried rice, egg, soup and hot chocolate. It is also a great idea of having grilled eggplant on the side. Do not ignore the importance of breakfast in a day’s meal schedule. To my mind, it’s the most important meal of the day. So there is such a thing as a big breakfast.
In the United States, for so many years I usually had bread, cereals, hotdog or bacon, some fruits and hot chocolate or apple juice.
Now, for dinner time, why not have Sinigang na Malaga (also a prized- catch fish).
There’s much you will do with your mind during this time and so prepare rice and breaded pork chop.
All the love you put into giving your family and loved ones the very best in life will be truly be felt more than by giving them great appetizers or desserts around. Have a strawberry cake, macaroni salad, avocado and chilled orange juice.
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This time for the other part of our good nutrition information drive, let’s take another look on the all-time favorite at Philippine kitchens- yes, folks it’s upo.
Upo or bottle gourd is an elongated plant with white flesh and thick green skin. It is used as an ingredient for soups.
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Finally, a thought for our readers: “Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez should accredit only honest-to-goodness Philippine businesses in the delegations abroad.” Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III.**
