By Anthony A. Araos
Ambuaya Lake is truly a unique destination in Ifugao for local and foreign tourists. It is situated in Kiangan town.
I have written not too long ago about the fascinating features of the place. Without a doubt, it is a must-see site for visitors. Everything here is a depiction of the Ifugao way of life, culture and arts.
However, I am puzzled why there are no efforts to develop the place and transform this lake into a premier hub of the tourism industry. Oh yes, I saw the enormous value of Ambuaya Lake in the tourism industry. I shall be a proud partner in helping harness its potentials through a big push by the municipal government headed by Mayor Joselito Guyguyon, who is the source of strength and inspiration of its friendly, hospitable and hardworking people.
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Except for two or three questions raised during the Legislative Forum at the just-concluded Local Legislators Day (an initiative through an ordinance authored by Board Member James Frederick Dulnuan) in the province, I wondered why participants were not concerned on more pressing and important concerns affecting them such as the provision of hazard pay for barangay council officials in far-flung villages. It would have been better if their questions were asked aloud rather than written.
Anyhow, one such timely and relevant query was asked by Kiangan Councilor Andrei Raldis Bulayungan. He sought an answer (from Vice Governor Jose Jordan Gullitiw who is the presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan) on the possibility of the SP’s inability to review the municipal’s annual budget on time. Councilor Bulayungan, a lawyer, quipped: “such eventuality shall result for a delay in the delivery of basic services.” I fully agree.
Failure to review the same shall result to a re-enacted budget. Any delay in the budget review, it is the people who suffer. The people would be the ultimate losers if the town’s budget- for instance, of Aguinaldo, Banaue or Hungduan are not reviewed soonest. They expect the municipal government to provide fundamental services and develop projects that would uplift their lives.
I’m urging Vice Governor Gullitiw and the SP members to expedite the review of the budget of the 11 municipal governments. We must understand that the local government to effectively operate without a new budget which in all likelihood contain new specific social programs utterly lacks dynamism.
If there are time constraining problems, Vice Governor Gullitiw is compelled to answer the call of duty and history, and act on this matter with the great sense of urgency thus, the need for special sessions. This, together with every means at his disposal during regular sessions, shall result to a review of all these all-important budgets.
Councilor Bulayungan was right when he expressed his worry on this matter. Let’s speed up the review of these budgets and consequently allow the executive department heads use judiciously the funds intended for the welfare of the people who have long been suffering.
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Congratulations to Agnes T. Bolintao of Barangay Poblacion in Hingyon town (of Ifugao) for being the first runner-up awardee (in the category of Regional Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholars) of the Department of Health (DOH).
To my mind, this surely reflects to a large extent the awardee’s sterling performance as a nutrition frontline officer in the service of the country and people. Again, my heartfelt congratulations. Keep up the splendid work!
One significant factor that seemed to be worth considering in dissecting the nutrition issue in Ifugao, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and the entire country for that matter, is the high poverty incidence rate.
The latest survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed that 6.7 million families (30 percent) considered themselves food-poor in June of this year. Even, Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo expressed her alarm.
The Philippines has more than enough resources to provide food as well as jobs for all the people. Very, very true, but the resources are very, very badly managed, with only the rich few benefiting from development and the poor majority getting little or no share of the wealth.
More Filipinos are going hungry and thereafter are going with greater hunger with prices of food going up beyond the reach each day.
Fact: There are 3.6 million stunted Filipino children, earning the Philippines the notoriety of being ranked 9th among countries with the highest number of stunting in the world. Fact: The Philippines is the 10th among countries with the highest rate of wasting. Fact: The number of child malnutrition cases increased to 33.4 percent in 2015 from 30.3 percent in 2013. That is why immediate and honest-to-goodness actions by the Duterte administration are so important.
Thus, substantial investments are to be infused in the government’s nutrition program. For those left behind are the hungry children. And this situation is very dangerous.
Greater budgetary allocation for the honorarium of the Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) is vital. The BNS should be provided much-needed benefits. Given today’s high cost of living, shouldn’t the meager stipend (about Php 500 a month) the BNS is receiving be significantly increased?
How much was allocated by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Ifugao on nutrition program (as well as social and economic services) for 2017?
Filipinos equate democracy on elections, people power at the EDSA and freedom of the press. It is also about the protection of the rights of all citizens, including the overworked but underpaid Barangay Nutrition Scholars. Undoubtedly, providing them incentives and increasing their benefits is imperative. Poor BNSs can and should have access to cheap and even free medicines and hospitalization. The government should not think of technicalities, but of the larger public interest. A pay (allowance) hike to Php 6,000 a month would help in the recruitment of new BNSs. Mustering political will should be the first step of a tedious process of upgrading the conditions of the BNSs.
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Ifugao’s version of the best travellers’ eatery in the Ilocos Region or Cagayan Valley Region is found in JF Restaurant in Lamut. It’s a joust for all lovers of good food. It is located along the main highway on one’s way to Banaue. It’s part of the barangay Poblacion area. It’s sumptuous Filipino dishes (such as beef steak, bulalo, adobo and fried tilapia) are must-taste, and must-tries. Prices are affordable and personnel are courteous and cheerful.
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The improvement of the people’s health is the goal in every health agenda. This is not a concern of no or little importance at all. This is of national interest.
Hospitals, health centers, clinics and rural health units are vital thus, access to these facilities should be shared by all, most especially the poor.
Kiangan is so fortunate to have Councilor Michelle Baguilat who is the chairperson of the Committee on Health, Nutrition and Sanitation. Along with Mayor Joselito Guyguyon and Vice Mayor Francisco Dulnuan, Councilor Baguilat has honored the tradition of excellence in public service. She is truly committed to the advancement of the cause for the maintenance of a healthy citizenry. She should be commended for looking after the healthcare needs of Kiangan residents, particularly those in distant villages. Keep up the excellent work and more power!
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Life’s oddities. Only in the Philippines! At the Human Resources (HR) office of a bus company in Manila.
HR Director: What position are you applying for?
Job applicant: Conductor
HR Director: What are your qualifications for the job?
Job applicant: I used to work in a sardine factory.
HR Director: You’re hired!
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Finally, some thoughts for our readers: “He, who jokes, confesses.” It’s an Italian proverb.
“Today’s burdens can strengthen you for tomorrow.” A timely thought from the Bible.**
