By Anthony A. Araos
Establishment of a heritage square in each town of Ifugao shall usher in a new age of cultural renaissance. It is surely a meaningful way of promoting the province’s cultural and historical heritage. Ifugao has 11 towns. The provincial government aims to promote an appreciation of Ifugao’s cultural heritage. A town heritage square shall do a lot in attaining this goal. I hope concerned parties perfectly understand this.
Ifugao possesses a wealth of tradition: songs, dances, arts and crafts. Performing them at these heritage squares provides the opportunity to pass them down to future generations.
A heritage square features the locality’s performing arts heritage. It is for this reason that the heritage square of Kiangan is different from that of Mayoyao. And the heritage square of Asipulo is different from that of Alfonso Lista.
Each town is richly endowed with history and talent that it presents vast potential to the tourism industry. This potential is worth considering in promoting and developing tourism in Ifugao. It will be a great factor in the province’s development.
Hopefully, these heritage squares will serve not only as tourist attractions but also as centers for the local people to appreciate and learn their traditions. These can also serve as a venue for local folks to show their talents.
At these heritage squares, visitors can learn the significance of indigenous music and dances. These musical traditions have been an integral part of village life in Ifugao. Unfortunately, most Ifugao folks no longer don’t appreciate the role they have played in their lives. These heritage squares could help educate the Ifugao folks in lieu of a few museums in the province. There lies another long term problem for this upland Cordillera province.
Museums and heritage squares show us how our life styles have evolved through time. Our life styles change with time. Knowing the past help us understand the present and help us prepare for the future. Outside of the province, Ifugao folks were once known for spitting moma anywhere and everywhere. This notoriety had overshadowed their reputation as skilled weavers. So it is time to show how artistic and skilled we, the Ifugao are.
Establishing this heritage squares should be the heart of the government’s mandate to improve the lives of the people.
The heritage square project may be pursued through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme. An established business establishment in a municipality may be identified as the private partner of this initiative. This calls for tapping the firm’s corporate social responsibility. In other words, seek its generosity and kind-heartedness. There is always such a thing as payback time.
A heritage square strategically located could be a valuable showcase of each town’s wealth and heritage. It undeniably is a worthy cause. No cause to say “No” to it! No time to hesitate!
I’m calling on all board members to make this happen. Sponsorship of an ordinance shall go a very long way in achieving it. Say a little prayer for it, please.
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Can’t get enough of the “kill”? Shortly after a House panel voted to reject the franchise application of ABS-CBN, some congressmen reportedly moved to impose a fine of Php 2 trillion on the fallen network. Also, the “takeover” of its facilities was raised. Then another one asked the ABS-CBN owner just to sell his network to a new owner who will apply for a new franchise. “We’ll approve it,” he added. Isn’t this overkill? The plot only thickens each day. On the other hand, the so-called “Makabayan” bloc at the House of Representatives had proposed for the entire 301-member lower chamber of Congress to vote. The 70 to 11 vote of the said panel is certainly an act of the most abominable. It can never ever be justified and accepted. I heard many are supporting it and they want it to be done by “secret balloting.” The reality is that the congressmen got into office through this mode. Many were elected under the Liberal Party and then quickly switched to the administration PDP-Laban party. So Filipinos should be glad that someone suggested it. Fair and square, let me add my voice to the proposal. For short, the Kapamilya (of family) episode is far from over. If some quarters succeed in “killing” the move for a full House vote, I expect the ABS-CBN issue to spill out all the way to the 2022 elections. Perfect. Wait till everyone sees the new occupant at the Palace. And history shall repeat itself. No need to elaborate.
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I gathered from a councilor of Lagawe that the town’s Sangguniang Bayan passed last month an ordinance on the wearing of face masks. Non-wearing of a mask in the capital town is illegal but the law is almost invariably ignored by the lowly-educated masses. The consequences of violating the law meant penalties such as fines and imprisonment. Well, the compliance rate is very low. The councilor simply passed the blame on the executive branch of the municipal government. Of course, that’s a good and convenient excuse. If only enforced, Lagawe stands to earn huge revenues. I told him that jailing violators isn’t practical. Not enough of detention cells for them. Incarcerating these ill-disciplined, hard-headed, stupid law transgressors shall only result to jail overcrowding. The best thing is for the people to report violators and they’re given monetary rewards. Giving at least 40 percent of the fine is a good incentive. Success of the anti-COVID-19 drive doesn’t stem from a lockdown or setting up a checkpoint, but from sheer implementation of regulations on wearing of masks, social distancing and social gathering. If not, I’ll go for the “Operation Tokhang” (knock and plead) approach, a more tried-and-tested formula.
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A fast-rising star in the political landscape in Ifugao is Hungduan Mayor Casan Dumulag. I have heard a lot of good things about him.
A man of integrity, Mayor Dumulag has exerted his utmost in the campaign to fight and contain the corona virus (COVID-19) in this farming town. He is tirelessly working to help address the social and economic development needs of marginalized sectors of society. This is surely a daunting task for the neophyte mayor given the challenging times. Together with the vice mayor, councilors, barangay council officials and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials, Mayor Dumulag is building a brighter future where every resident can secure a dignified and comfortable life.
Hungduan deserves to be developed as Ifugao’s new agriculture hub. The town’s chief executive should look into the potential of farm tourism. It shall open the way for poor farming families to earn more as it will generate employment. The Philippines is now in an era where farm tourism has dramatically grown in size, influence and relevance. A strong partnership among Mayor Dumulag, Congressman Solomon Chungalao, Governor Jerry Dalipog and Vice Governor Glenn Prudenciano will help all parties gain valuable knowledge on how to take advantage of the opportunities of farm tourism. To Mayor Dumulag: Stay positive and those who care for Hungduan like them will support you all the way. Godspeed and Mabuhay!
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For our food delights corner: If the budget allows it, it is time to have lobster rice, beef stew and fried carp (fish) at the table during lunch. Mashed potatoes and peas are a good side dish. It is surely a great treat for the family or loved ones. Mango pudding (choose sun-ripe mangoes) and chilled lychee juice are excellent desserts. Smile and don’t forget to pray for the sumptuous meals and all other blessings. Good thing, the lockdown don’t cover smiles and prayers.
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Finally, here are some thoughts for our dear readers: “The best part of learning is sharing what you know.” Vaughn Lauer
“True love values the other person’s achievements. It does not see him or her as a threat. It frees us from the sour taste of envy.” Pope Francis
“Call out to Me and I will show you wonderful things you do not know.” Jer 33:3
“Freedom is not absolute, you have to struggle and fight for it all your life.” National Artist F. Sionil Jose**
