By Anthony A. Araos
Situated north of Banaue town, Mayoyao covers an area of 17,153 hectares and it is popularly known as the “hidden Shangrila” of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). The town’s primary attractions stem fundamentally from natural wonders. Major sights of Mayoyao’s 27 villages are rice terraces and waterfalls.
There are, however, unique native huts, which allow for a tranquil and relaxing vacation amid the most panoramic natural scenery.
For centuries, people lived in these huts. No one really knows the first individual who built this Ifugao hut. However, the building of a hut with a pyramidal structure displaced the crude system of living in a cave.
Some of the most interesting features of these native huts at one time or another are herein mentioned for curious tourists and students. Research has uncovered the original value of some.
It has a fireplace for cooking. Wood was popular as an item for cooking for a long, long time among the early dwellers of Ifugao.
It is also worthy to study the placement of its stairs, door and windows. It is a reflection of the beliefs of Ifugao folks in the ancient times.
Ancient historians tell us that the customs and traditions of men and women were differed at various developmental periods.
To my mind, the structures and design of the Ifugao native hut were somewhat rebuilt in certain geological periods and survived the test of time to give a very good insight into the dwelling unit’s original aura and significance.
It is for this reason why the Ifugao native hut in Mayoyao is undoubtedly a major attraction of the tourism industry. Apart from tourists- local and foreign alike, and students, young independent (indie) film makers should seriously consider going to Mayoyao for obvious reasons. Nothing should keep them away from doing so!
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In an effort to truly boost Mayoyao’s tourism industry, the municipal government should exert its utmost to identify centuries-old native huts at various barangays (villages) of this upland town. What’s next? As historical landmarks in Mayoyao, these huts should be preserved as heritage structures. This is do-able and practical. I’m most willing to help Mayor Ronie Lumayna and Vice Mayor Jimmy Padchanan, municipal planning and development coordinator Florence Punchinlan, Councilor Yolanda Allaga, chair of the committee on tourism and all others involved in this concern.
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Before folks begin imagining the tremendous benefits derived from the tourism industry, one should think of reasonable and measurable goals which the committee on tourism of the Sangguniang Bayan of Mayoyao can set up as the people’s expectations for them.
Fortunately, Councilor Allaga is ably and strongly assisted by her three other colleagues in the said committee. Councilor Eugene Lim-ang is the vice chairman. Councilors Antonio Bangachon Jr. and Atty. Joan Sheelah Nalliw are members.
For every difficulty that has been overcome by the four lawmakers, introspection must follow so that the learning process will become lasting. The growth of the tourism industry here entails the shared responsibilities and decisions of leaders in the public and private sectors to determine and achieve tourist arrival numbers considering the town’s accommodation capacities to provide to the needs of high-end visitors.
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Unlike Banaue, I haven’t seen foreign tourists in Mayoyao. That’s unbelievable. That’s too bad.
To help restart and refocus the town’s tourism industry, I’m inclined to recommend three major initiatives. For one, I’m urging Councilor Joan Sheelah Nalliw, a lawyer and indigenous people’s mandatory representative (IPMR), to sponsor a measure at the Sangguniang Bayan for the declaration of the town’s century-old native huts as ancestral houses. It is time to view these native huts as historical landmarks. Tourists are likely to flock in these sites.
Well, I’m discussing my other recommendations in my incoming commentaries.
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As of this time, it is still a three-cornered race for the position of Vice Governor in Ifugao in the 2019 midterm polls. Contenders are Board Members of Victor Bunnol Jr. of Lamut and James Frederick Dulnuan of Banaue as well as Alfonso Lista Mayor Glenn Prudenciano. All of them are serving their third and last terms.
It is hoped that the next Vice Governor endeavor to transform the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) to be a truly participatory legislative body, united in the mission to propel the province’s growth and development, and that is caring for the poor, the marginalized, the environment and for all people who desire a better life.
I am simply wondering why committee hearings of the SP are being conducted in a very small room next to the Office of the Vice Governor. Here’s the catch: the door is closed. Aside from two to three board members, only a few are in attendance. And they are mostly department heads of the provincial government. This also implies that they are not transparent in their actions. Given their immense contribution to the economic development of Ifugao over the years, I only see it fit to allow the people to attend these hearings at the very least. Most people do not know where their taxes are going.
I was even told that some national agencies and nongovernment organizations (NGOs) were not allowed to use the SP session hall even for official purposes.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Ifugao should not be exclusive. It belongs to the people! It is for the people! No ifs and buts! I hate to say it all over again, if you don’t understand it: Go back to kindergarten!
The incoming vice governor should not waver even for a second in his election promise to respond to the cries of the least. Moving forward, I think the new vice governor should look at and prioritize all these concerns so that all of these can be resolved.
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Birthday greetings to six Ifugao village chieftains who are celebrating their natal days- the most important day of their lives, well within the last two weeks of September of this year. I am referring to Punong Barangays Rodolfo Dong-e of Nungulunan, Hungduan on Sept. 17, Julius Guinawan of Bongan, Mayoyao on Sept. 19, Delfin Tinapay of Balawis, Banaue on Sept. 26, Pablo Lumiwan of Magulon, Mayoyao on Sept. 28, Leodante Dumangen of Burnay, Lagawe on Sept. 29 and Camilo Paligan of Bato-Alatbang, Mayoyao.
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I attended recently the “Tuguwon Di Payo” program at the Don Bosco High School Auditorium in Lagawe. It was a competition of about eight or so public high schools in Ifugao on theater arts. All told, the “tuguwon di payo” refers to the agriculture practices in the province.
Considering the possibility that young Ifugao theater performers may compete in a larger scale, it is advisable to train them now to speak in the national language and also in English. It is also essential that they be taught to be globally competitive. In Metro Manila, forward-looking strategies were adopted to upgrade the capacities of theater art performers. The best strategy is changing their mindsets by providing them the best experience at every competition, at every level. This strategy has brought theater art performers of the University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila where they are today and I’m confident the same strategy will improve the performances of the Ifugao youngsters in the coming years. There is nothing wrong if a new mindset is adopted. Do not be afraid to learn of the outside, real world. Culture is evolving and changing. I see the vast opportunities that the theater arts can give to the talented Ifugao youngsters.
Relatedly, I saw the passion of Evelyn Manghi, an educator of Kiangan National High School, in guiding and inspiring her students in the said competition. I commend her for training them on a short notice. To Mrs. Manghi: Congratulations and Mabuhay!
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The recent gains in the health and nutrition concerns of barangay Poblacion West in Lagawe, Ifugao were borne out of the hard work and dedication of the village’s Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) and Barangay Health Workers (BHWs). Emelyn Itliong is the BNS. The BHWs include Gina Baguilat, Virginia Batuagan, Lourdes Bulahao, Juana Bulasan, Genevieve Butic, Maritess Dinamling, Jeanmarie Dulawan and Gemma Puddunan.
On the other hand, the tanods (watchmen) are also doing an excellent job in so far as maintaining peace and order in the barangay. They are Pilando Binwag Jr., Teddy Biwit, Christopher Buhulon, Eric Dulnuan, Patrick Kimayong, William Pegew and Joseph Pinkihan.
I hope that this heartfelt commendation will serve as a useful tool to further empower them to become even more dedicated public servants who are committed to contribute to nation-building. To the aforementioned individuals: God speed and Mabuhay!
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Blooper in Ifugao: Overheard at a conversation among three young Ifugao State University (IFSU) students at the main campus in barangay Nayon in Lamut. “One pieces of banana,” blurted a female student. It does not end there. The other one added: “Three piece of apples.” You can easily see in their eyes that they’re serious and are not merely joking. I remembered vividly a board member telling me that “the standard of education in Ifugao is high.” Hahaha! I am now weighing whether the impact of this problem will be similar to the miscues at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan where Board Member Robert Humiwat has been repeatedly making corrections in the minutes of the meeting and agenda. Even so, there is a great deal of uneasiness as the people wait for action on vital legislative matters.
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A tip for success: Apply diligence and care when filling the gaps between theory and practice at the office. While at work, do not easily give up on problems at hand. Always think positive!
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For our food delights corner: Let’s have paksiw na bangus (milkfish), tortang talong (egg omelet), lechong kawali (roasted pork) and rice served with cucumber.
For appetizers and dessert: bring out the best of yema cake, slice of papaya and chilled buko (coconut) juice.
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Finally, some thoughts to our readers: “The obvious conclusion, political observers say, is that federalism is not the main objective. The real aim is to justify Charter Change now while the administration’s popularity is high. The goal is not inclusive development or improved governance, but simply perpetuation of power.” Ramon del Rosario Jr., a trustee of the Makati Business Club
“Right now, the typhoons are lining up like people buying NFA rice.” National Food Authority (NFA) spokesperson Rex Estoperez
“We have to make drastic changes in order to ensure a corrupt-free and competitive bidding process at the NFA.” Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco
“I will get up and go home to my father.” Luke 15:18
“Love, friendship, respect do not unite people as much as a common hatred of something,” Russian writer Anton Chekhov.**
