By Anthony A. Araos
Optimize your vacation plans and beat the odds of spending too much this Christmas season by being on the practical side. So why not take a trip to a forest- man- made or not, and enjoy the sights.
The forests of Hungduan are perfect for adventure. A number of villages here offer such sites as perfect destinations for adventurists and mountaineers alike. One must surely venture into these forests with a camera and ample supply of food and water. You’ll learn a lot from such an adventure. Study and understand what its evergreen environment is all about.
Along with some friends, a local or foreign tourist may visit next the town’s enchanting rice terraces.
This is exactly the reason why a vacation trip to Hungduan is necessary. It is a vacation of a lifetime easily filled with special memories.
Hungduan, an agriculture town, is famed for rice terraces and other attractions, is a growing popular stop for foreign tourists who also visit the world-famous rice terraces of nearby Banaue municipality.
Needless to point out, that Hungduan is worth considering as a point of interest this Christmas vacation because of the natural friendliness and hospitality of its residents. There you’ll also enjoy life within self-sustaining communities.
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Hungduan has endured years of low tourist arrivals with the provincial government unable to provide necessary support to its tourism industry. This is the farthest thing the political bigwigs at the provincial capitol building should be doing. Any concrete action of Governor Pedro Mayam-o on this matter is laudable because it will give the people the chance to benefit from the tourism industry.
For its part, the Sangguniang Bayan should realize the importance of better investments in forest management.
With the enormous ill-effects of climate change and uncalled for tree-cutting activities of misguided individuals, did the municipal government (as well as the provincial government) do enough to address the problem of dwindling forest cover?
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I went around shortly after the SONA of President Duterte and asked the people’s reactions on the issue of the clamor for autonomy in the CAR. Many felt very bad. For it was not even mentioned in the SONA.
There is aridity, disenchantment and dissatisfaction, as it is as typical as the grass.
Well, it is apparent that Congress is now focused on passing the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL)
Oh well, the President of the Philippines had certified it as an urgent bill.
On the other hand, it is now “almost zero” possibility for the proposed Cordillera Autonomy law to get through the legislative mill of Congress before the yearend.
Unless the proposed autonomy law for the Cordillera region is enacted at the soonest, the planned Federal State of Northern Luzon- to be composed of Ilocos Region, CAR and Cagayan Valley Region, will become a permanent reality as it will cause political subjugation of the Cordillera due to its sheer small number of voters. Any argument to the contrary is unthinkable and unacceptable. It’s as commonsensical as that.
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I am truly elated at the level of support from readers and friends in creating opportunities to bring ZigZag Weekly brand of journalism to the public in this part of the region.
By reading ZigZag Weekly you’re actually expanding your view. Many times you might become hot-tempered because you see only one side of the issue- the part that affects you, of course. So try to consider the other side of the issue. There is usually an explanation that can be of help in understanding the issue. That is precisely the reason why ZigZag Weekly contains an Editorial, the “Guiltless Thoughts” column and all other columns.
Knowledge is a very precious thing. Read, learn and discover with pride key issues of the day. A newspaper opens to its readers a world to a commucopia of new and great ideas. These are handy ideas to be shared with the family and friends at any given time.
ZigZag Weekly, without any doubt, is rich! It is a rich source of these great ideas!
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At the just-concluded Provincial Summit on Federalism at the Lagawe Central School gymnasium, a speaker (in an answer to a query) pointed out that a federal form of government shall put an end into the dirty world of money politics during election time in the Philippines.
“Wala ng pera, perahan pag federal na ang gobyerno sa Pilipinas,” (“No more money to influence in elections in a federal government in the Philippines,”) he said. I almost fell off my seat. I almost fainted.
In transforming the present setup of presidential-bicameral government into federal would only still result to the conduct of elections in choosing officials.
All regions in the Philippines are dominated or controlled by one or two or three families. Currently, there are 18 regions in the country. In the proposed federal setup, 12 federal states are to be created. One of them is the Federal State of Northern Luzon. It will be comprised of Ilocos Region, Cordillera Autonomous Region and the Cagayan Valley.
Unfortunately, up against the well-known political bigwigs in these three regions there is no equal opportunity for all- most especially the less-moneyed candidates or those who are aspiring for positions with shoe-string budgets.
The story of political dynasties in the Philippines dates back to several decades. It shall be retold even if the country shifts to federalism.
Going back to the contention of the said speaker, that fact, perhaps, has been the federalism advocates’ lousiest argument. With due respect, tell that to the Marines!
Moreover, the speaker insisted that the Hugpong Federal Movement of the Philippines identification (ID) card is worth obtaining because he is using that at airports in the country. By the way, the ID is pegged at Php 50 (without lamination) for a member. Only a few availed of the ID. All told, many of the participants at the summit are from low-income brackets of society. If they cannot even pay Php 50 for their IDs, how much more to buy a plane ticket for a domestic trip?
To my mind, this is one of the silliest and stupidest arguments I heard for quite some time. It’s a scary assertion and not a far-flung possibility that Filipinos could end up with unthinking individuals in power after all is said and done. God forbid!
Don’t get me wrong. I’m also for federalism. At a forum on federalism sponsored by the DILG at Teachers Camp in Baguio City I attended, the speakers include former Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel and Atty. Raul Lambino of Pozorrubio, Pangasinan, who is the lawyer of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
If Ms. Nora Dimanling, provincial director (of Ifugao) of the Hugpong Federal Movement of the Philippines, is truly intent to enlightening the public on the merits of federalism, she needs to address this matter sooner rather than later.
If the same speaker simply repeats his views, it gives me no other recourse but to say: “With due respect, go back to kindergarten!”
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To: DTI-Ifugao Director Valentin Baguidudol, who was operated recently in a Nueva Vizcaya hospital, my prayers for your immediate recovery and good health.
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For our food delights corner: It’s time to go binalot (way of serving food wrapped in banana leaves) style for lunch or dinner time. The menu offers longganisa hamonado. It comes with rice, red eggs and tomatoes.
Or try chicken and pork adobo, with rice, red eggs and tomatoes too. One of the Philippines’ favorite dishes is adobo (cooked chicken adobo or pork adobo) prepared with seasonings. Adobo can be served even at breakfast. A traditional beverage is hot chocolate or brewed coffee.
Another excellent choice is chicken satay cooked Bacolod-style. It’s simply irresistible!
Binalot-style gives one a great reason not to forget a lip-smacking food. What better way to enjoy Philippine all-time favorite cuisines than go binalot-style at lunch or dinner time with the family or friends together.
Nothing is more comforting than a glass of chilled buko (coconut) juice on the side. Simply add avocado and strawberry cake.
Complete this great meal with healthy salad and a prayer for such a blessing.
Your food delights corner is always filled with infinite possibilities. Be creative and imaginative! This corner will also give prominence to the readers’ choices.
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Finally, some thoughts for our readers: “The one who is quick to anger acts foolishly,” by Proverbs 14:17
“Every Filipino dreams in his heart of doing a great, magnificent selfless act of sacrifice for the country. In my case, I tried for President and I failed. Maybe, my best service to the country would be if one working day I strap myself with grenades and just hurl myself bodily onto the center of the Senate Session Hall.” A quote from the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago
“We grow weak carrying burdens. There’s so much rubble to take away. How can we build the wall today?” Song sang by the people of Judah. From the book of Nehemiah**
