By Anthony A. Araos
In breaking tradition, may I greet all avid ZigZag Weekly readers and viewers. This extends to their families and loved ones. How many of them? Surely, there are hundreds of thousands of them. The pioneering spirit of “Guiltless Thoughts” column will then fulfill the progressive view of enlightening the people consistent with and complimentary to the mission of eradicating poverty and achieving inclusive growth. “Nagmumulat na Pasko at Makabuluhang Bagong Taon sa inyong lahat!”
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From the looks of it, Alfonso Lista town (in Ifugao province) is on its way to the top.
I have no doubts whatsoever that this development is likely to take place sooner and not later. Whether the purpose is for farm tourism or education tourism, all roads lead to Alfonso Lista. You don’t have to go too far to experience the adventures of meeting a farmer in a rice paddy or a teacher in a classroom. You’ve have it here, right here in Alfonso Lista.
There is so much to enjoy, learn and appreciate in this corn-producing town just adjacent to Isabela province. For local and foreign tourists, there’s a whole wonderful world of new and exciting experiences in Alfonso Lista. In other words, live positively in a largely rural setting amidst a modern-day era.
Of course, the town offers more than farm and education tourism attractions. Eventually, it shall offer also several eco-tourism activities.
For now, it is worth visiting various farm sites and public elementary and high schools. Both destinations are of interest to anyone who seeks to expand one’s knowhow of agriculture and education in places outside of the so-called “Imperial Manila.”
Alfonso Lista, a third-class municipality, has 20 barangays (villages) based on a recent Wikipedia report. It is the home of about 32, 120 people (2016) who derived their living from farming. I am optimistic that Mayor Glenn Prudenciano shall be able to transform the town into a tourism hotspot and ultimately help it invigorate into a better place to live in and for all generations of his countrymen.
In my book, Alfonso Lista has become a byword and both the municipal government (as well as the provincial government, to a large extent) and the people rejoiced to this “truth.”
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At the just-concluded 2017 Ifugao Provincial Selection Meet in Alfonso Lista, a program carried the messages of Rep. Teddy Baguilat Jr., Mayor Prudenciano and OIC Ifugao Schools Division Superintendent Felipe Ballitoc. Well, I almost forgot that one too of Governor Pedro Mayam-o, or is it really so?
While the three aforementioned officials expressed their insights of this prestigious sports competition, Governor Mayam-o’s “message” simply said: “Haggiyo Ifugao!”
I asked four board members of their reactions on this matter. All of them uttered: “That’s not a message.” With due respect, I fully agree. Goodness sake, a copy of the program even got into the hands of Vice president Leni Robredo, who was the guest of honor and speaker.
Of course, we are all aware that someone else is writing these messages for the governor. It’s a great disservice for the governor when such monumental blunders are being committed.
The provincial government deals with the lives of human beings. It strongly presupposes that there should be no room for amateurs in the Mayam-o administration. That by the way applies to as well as to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
I used to handle the job of penning “Messages” and even speeches of a Senator, Congressman, Vice Mayor and a number of Councilors. In the next Ifugao Provincial Sports Meet, I am most ready and willing to write the “Message” of Governor Mayam-o at no charge at all. Just to spare him from another embarrassment. I’m serious, even if I earn the ire of his detractors.
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This Christmas season we all want our loved ones to feel our appreciation and affection in the most special way. So it is common to buy them gifts. Unfortunately, many are no longer fond of sending Christmas cards.
It is prayed that the tradition of giving Christmas cards be rekindled in the hearts of the people, most especially among the young. Why? I’m still impressed with the religious themes and designs of Christmas cards. The vibrant colors and heartwarming sentiments are definitely great.
It is Christmas time and it is the best occasion to cherish the people closest to your hearts. Better than ever, go get one for a special someone!
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Think about it. If the Ifugao provincial government is gifted with more competent, hardworking and dedicated officials like Provincial Planning and Development Officer Carmelita Buyuccan, then the Mayam-o administration is likely to transform itself into a well-functioning institution.
Undoubtedly, she is steering one of the most vital offices at the provincial capitol building in Lagawe. After all, the Provincial Planning and Development Office’s colossal tasks at hand cuts across all classes and sectors of society as it seeks to make a difference in the lives of communities it serve. Just how encompassing its coverage, take time to examine the following item: Ifugao has 175 barangays, 11 towns and two districts. Tough job indeed!
For 2018 and beyond, it is hoped that the PPDO- under the stewardship of Mrs. Buyuccan, also an engineer, paved the way for the creation of a way of life bringing together people who want to live in a community of peace, prosperity and happiness through concrete social and economic initiatives.
It is also prayed that the PPDO take the lead in ensuring and promoting more interconnectivity across IT systems of different offices in the provincial government and removal of numerous outdated procedures and the introduction of enhanced and updated ones. Believe or not: the Sanggu niang Panlalawigan has no Wi-Fi connection. Hey guys, you don’t need an ordinance to have one!
I am puzzled that with all the efforts and activities of the PPDO, the public is not fully aware of the herculean tasks entrusted to do the same. Henceforth, I recommend the posting of the accomplishment report for 2017 at the 3 conspicuous places.
In the coming months of 2018 and beyond, it is doubly hoped and prayed that the PPDO head will continue to carry out her mission tirelessly. To Mrs. Carmelita Buyuccan: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, your family and your staff. God bless and Mabuhay!
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Ifugao has had a succession of provincial legal officers who failed to escape scathing criticisms on work-related actions. And so the office remained a pathetic “entity” in the provincial government. What do you think is the problem?
Government support for legal or judicial relief of matters related to official transactions or deal should be no less comprehensive and unified. What the province needs is a provincial legal officer with a strong and firm hand to take the cudgels of safeguarding the best interests of Ifugao in a court of law. At long last, it found one in the person of Atty. Dionisio Milio. A provincial legal officer need not reinvent the law. His or her duty is only to prove that the provincial government’s position has ample and sound basis.
This is central to his or her mission of providing good legal advice.
As I share the true spirit of Christmas, I’m praying for the good health and continuing success of Atty. Milio in 2018 and the years to come. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to Atty. Milio, your family and staff! God bless and Mabuhay!
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Can’t exchange it for anything else, I have to greet my esteemed friend, Godfrey Dominong. Lately, I’m confused on how to address him. Is it President (PCCI-Ifugao Chapter)?, General Manager (IGEMCO)? Or Board of Director (Phil. Red Cross-Ifugao Chapter)? Maybe, Board Member! Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to the Dominong family!
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For our food delights corner: Enjoy the goodness of Vietnamese cuisine during this festive Christmas season. Oh, yes this is well within the spirit of the ASEAN integration program.
There is my favorite Vietnamese dish of fresh, sweet shrimps on a bed of rice noodles and lettuce.
Another great treat for the family, loved ones or friends is “con tam bi.” This is pork belly grilled to tender perfection.
I suggest that you also try and enjoy many other delicious and nutritious Vietnamese dishes such as different flavors of crab portions. Case in point: boiled crab legs easily rings in my mind. Popular Vietnamese dishes are worth partaking at lunch or dinner during this time of the year.
Sumptuous selection of dishes from Vietnam is quite compatible with Vietnamese appetizers as well as ones of Japan, China and the Philippines. Vietnamese folks are also known for their cravings for “halo halo,” cakes and bananas. Don’t miss a chilled pineapple juice.
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Finally, some thoughts for our readers: “Books are not absolutely dead things, but do contain a posturing of life in them to be as active as their soul.” John Milton
“For most of history, man has had to fight nature to survive. In his century, he is beginning to realize that, in order to survive, he must protect it.” Jacques Yves Coasteau**
