By Anthony A. Araos
A great place for local or foreign tourists (trekkers, in particular) to relax, rejuvenate while being not too far from the town proper is Bogya Hot Spring. It is located at Barangay Hapao in Hungduan.
It is a perfect place to spend the summer vacation. Easily, Bogya Hot Spring is one of the major destinations of the province.
Contrary to misconceptions, Hungduan is a town booming with wonderful natural and man-made attractions that hold so much tourism potential. Each attraction surely offers a different experience.
In this case, the tourists take a warm dip into the spring’s waters. It is entirely a rare experience.
Bogya Hot Spring is very accessible from the main Poblacion area. Jeepneys are available.
In so far as accommodations are concerned, there is the Eco Lodge just a few steps from the municipal hall. It offers reasonable and affordable rates.
By the way, Hungduan is the home of some of the highest mountains in Ifugao, thus, providing panoramic views of the town itself. For instance, Mountain Napulawan will attract the most avid climbers because the summit provides a breathtaking view of this fast-emerging municipality often called “Heritage Town.” Trails pass through a rain forest with rich flora.
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On this note and for all the several reasons which make Hungduan such an important site in Ifugao’s tourism map, I’m expressing my readiness and willingness to help the municipal government formulate a forward-looking masterplan for its tourism industry.
The municipal government should undertake a drastic shift in its tourism strategy.
There are hundreds of tourism graduates of the Ifugao State University (IFSU) in May of 2017, who will be joining the work force, which makes job creation a priority of both the Mayam-o and Bumangabang administrations.
Unfortunately, nearly 95 percent of them end up jobless because of the obvious lack of tourism-related infrastructure facilities in the province.
The municipal government must be able to generate enough jobs for Hungduan tourism graduates and all others who are still looking for work.
In short, make the economy grow. The municipal government should subsequently focus on infrastructure development and building and repair of farm-to-market roads and construction of post-harvest facilities.
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On the leadership level, may I commend Mayor Hilario Bumangabang and Vice Mayor Romeo Haguyapyap, as well as the councilors of Hungduan for exerting their utmost to improve the conditions of their constituents.
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So far as is known, Ifugao boosts only one five-star or so hotel for the accommodation of local and foreign tourists. I’m, of course, referring to the Banaue Hotel and Youth Hostel.
The province’s 11 towns only have inns with a few good numbers of rooms for travelers to stay for a night or two.
A good number of foreign tourists in Ifugao are trekkers. This is why the Homestay program is essential. Instead of camping, which causes environmental problems, trekkers can stay in the homes of selected or Department of Tourism (DOT)-accredited host villagers. This is also most helpful in increasing household income in the area and, more importantly, help preserve mountain trails.
The campaign for national development began with the vision to uplift the lives of the people, most especially the poor. Knowing that they are friendly and hospitable, why not give the homestay program stakeholders the opportunity to take care of the needs of foreign visitors. To my mind, this is the best way of promoting the people’s well-being in underserved communities.
Interest in the homestay program is stimulated by the Kiangan Homestay Association. Because of its great success, the homestay program is clearly a viable option in the province.
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What do the leaders in the grassroots level of Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista and Asipulo towns (in Ifugao province) have in common?
The men and women of the Barangay Councils in Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista and Asipulo pride themselves as dynamic and hardworking public servants, who should be emulated in the region and elsewhere.
They have substantially met the requirements of the law in so far as the conduct of barangay assemblies.
As their efforts to improve the lives of their constituents keep going, despite limited resources, they offered and extended help to them at most times.
Attending barangay assemblies as far as the residents are concerned proved fruitful for they are able to propose the incorporation of programs, projects and activities in the barangay action plan.
The possibility of not holding the barangay elections by October of this year is practically nil and it’s time for the people to realize they have a big challenge ahead and the task of evaluating the performance of their barangay council officials is a very huge responsibility. Thus, they should not be complacent.
But how are you going to determine who is up to the task of his or her job or a village chieftain or councilman, is a non-performing asset if there is no barangay assembly in the first place?
The officials of the barangay councils of Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista and Asipulo should be commended for making their barangay governments what these are today, vibrant and dynamic instruments of governance that is the voice of the people in the community level.
There are 16 barangays (villages) in Aguinaldo, while Alfonso Lista has 20 villages. On the other hand, there are only nine villages in Asipulo.
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There were some barangay council officials in Lagawe who were so engrossed in preparing for the municipal fiesta, particularly on the street dancing competition that they failed to attend to more important activities such as the barangay assembly.
Do you mean that your street dancing competition is far more important than your barangay assembly? Tell that to the OIC Secretary of the DILG, Catalino Cuy. Any argument to that effect is just too good to be true. In all probability, it’s simply unthinkable.
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An array of challenges and opportunities still comes its way in 2017 for Ifugao and even more so in 2018 and beyond.
It is at this time of flux that tourism industry planners and educators must show their commitment to promote eco-tourism in the province.
Now at the age of eco-tourism has arrived, these players have to articulate their readiness for the challenges ahead, particularly on really understanding and appreciating the essence of not just indigenous knowledge and practices but also on community participation, protection and management of natural resources
Sadly, on this score alone, many are not even aware of the fact that reforestation is so vital. They don’t know that there are seedlings for replenishing the bald mountainsides. Kaingin (slash and burn farming) is widely practiced. Small wonder, Ifugao’s dwindling forest cover mark is a big problem.
So I am just wondering why there are even no eco-tourism seminars in Ifugao.
The problem clearly stems from the fact that it’s all-government affair. The private sector has no participation at all.
For example, if a committee or council is to be created on this concern, the head is a provincial government official. If an eco-tourism seminar is conducted, the speakers are all from the government, while the participants are from the public sector.
Instead of taking the road less travelled, tourism industry officers should take new roads. Tap the bright men and women in the private sector.
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May 1 Labor Day rallies of workers throughout the Philippines once more amplified the need for a legislated wage increase action.
Positive action by Congress to increase their minimum wage is very welcome. It will help not only these impoverished workers but also their loved ones.
In the end, this is a relief that should be provided by the government in answer to the high cost of living. It’s time for President Duterte, who sought the scrapping of the controversial endo (end of contractualization) policy, to push his allies of Congress to finally listen to the voices of workers instead of the useless and insensitive Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board.
The government should pursue substantive policies in the labor sector instead of merely giving non-agriculture sector workers an increase of let’s say Php 20 while those in the agriculture and retail and service sector get Php 17 hike. It is not even enough to buy a kilo of rice. As a consequence, when the inflation rate is high and the purchasing power of the peso is so low, the inevitable question that arose was “why the shabby treatment of laborers?” Few thought it possible to accomplish the resolution of the “endo” issue. This is just a matter of exercising political will at Congress.
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Exceptional food delights: Don’t wait for Christmas Day for a very special lunch or dinner treat. The family’s big surprise- ginataang lechon kawali, lumpia shanghai, rice, atchara, bananas and macaroni salad. Don’t forget to serve chilled mango juice on the side. That’s a great relief from the scorching summer heat.
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Finally, some thoughts for our readers: “My administration shall take positive energetic measures to improve the living conditions of our fellow citizens in the barrios and neglected rural areas and of laborers in our urban and industrial centers.” The late President Ramon Magsaysay.
“It will not always be easy for our beneficiaries to go to the DSWD field offices if they live in remote areas.” Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo on distributing funds to the poor of its protective services program.
“Listen twice as much as you speak.” Still resonates in my mind ever since I first heard it at grade school in Caloocan City.**
