By Anthony A. Araos
For local and foreign visitors who are looking for new and exciting sites to see this Christmas season and in 2017, I’m recommending them to consider Barangay Duit of Kiangan town.
Particularly, a visit to Dumaling Rock as well as the ancestral burial sites should be considered.
Well-motivated individuals in the private sector are behind the effort to upgrade the development of the above-mentioned sites to boost the town’s tourism industry. This has reference to the project of the Dedicated and United Individuals for Transformation (DUIT) Organization.
The noteworthy project was conducted recently at the Kiangan Municipal Gymnasium.
DUIT Organization officers are promoting this barangay as Kiangan’s new haven for tourists. Kleah Bumaymin is the president and Deo Indinan serves as an adviser.
Barangay council and municipal officials are also supporting the idea of tapping the village’s wonders as a means of transforming Duit as another tourism hub.
Councilor James Talib expressed his full and unqualified support for the move.
Mayor Joselito Guyguyon said the municipal government is prioritizing the development of tourist sites to generate additional income for the people of Kiangan, which is adjacent to the capital town of Lagawe.
Kiangan boost a number of well-known destinations such as the Imbuleklek Rock and the Yamashita shrine.
On the other hand, Councilor Gemma Dimog said they are planning to develop various sites to attract tourists. She is the chairperson on the Committee on Tourism.
Those on the look-out for a little bit of history will love the trip to Barangay Duit in the days or weeks ahead.
The provincial government led by Governor Pedro Mayam-o should provide all-out support for non-stock, non-profit organizations like DUIT Organization.
A non-government organization (NGO) as this one is in a very good position to promote tourism in the province, primarily through the hosting of meetings, exhibitions and musical or cultural presentations.
Mayor Guyguyon and the town’s tourism officer are fortunate to have several “attractions” for tourists to explore and enjoy.
It is extremely hard to ignore the town’s potentials as next major destination in Ifugao’s tourism industry.
Efforts of Mayor Guyguyon as well as Vice Mayor Francisco Dulnuan, Councilor Talib, Councilor Dimog and tourism officer Yanni Albano are manifestations of their commitment to promote the tourism industry in this part of the province. Hopefully, it will have an impact on the people, most especially the poor.
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It’s time to introduce new, innovative and bold strategies to upgrade Kiangan’s tourism industry. In the long run, said action shall also enhance the visitor’s (either from Makati City, Naga City, Japan or Canada) experience in this scenic town. It’s really important to know what directions you really want to take in the next ten or so years in the tourism industry.
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Just a few days into a new year, 2017 to be more exact, there’s still time to give Ifugao’s tourism industry the much-needed make over, push to invigorate it. A new, forward-looking tourism plan is badly needed. This is to avoid unnecessary wastage of resources.
In a province filled with great tourist destinations, it is vital to develop and modernize facilities in the tourism industry not only to better serve visitors but to also ensure economic growth for the people.
The absence of an airport, mall, Jolibee, Mc Donalds, KFC or Chowking fast-food outlets, commercial banks or even a theater in Ifugao province is an analogous cause of such worry that the idea of a major push for the tourism industry is nearly impossible.
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The Ifugao Provincial Athletic Selection Meet just concluded its competition in Lagawe. Congratulations to all the gold, silver and bronze medalists. As I predicted, Alfonso Lista once more topped the prestigious meet.
Young competitors from Ifugao’s 11 towns showed the highest form of sacrifice for their municipalities and for province. Indeed, it is such a noble act for others to emulate.
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A lean but mean delegation from Ifugao took part in the 2016 Batang Pinoy National Championship at the DavNor Sports and Tourism Complex in Tagum City, Davao Del Norte. They competed for top honors in the annual multi-sports event for students and out-of-school youth. This once more showed the province’s young strong passion for sports.
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When all systems fail, it’s time for Hungudan municipal officials to seek the assistance of the national government to speed up the repair, rehabilitation and improvement of damaged infrastructure in the town.A
Hungduan is known for its culture and history. The town’s indigenous peoples’ practices easily depict the Ifugao’s way of life, culture and arts. Damage sustained during the onslaught of super typhoon Lawin (international code: Haima) was massive. Crops, livestock and infrastructure were destroyed. Death toll had reached three, to include one missing. Immediate repair and rehabilitation of partially or completely damaged facilities should be undertaken.
Economic recovery should enable many residents to go back to their normal activities. Without the help of the national government, normalcy is likely to take place for a long period of time.
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Here comes another tool of the government in curbing the illegal drugs problem: the Mamamayan Ayaw Sa Anomalya, Mamamayan Ayaw sa Illegal na Droga (MASA MASID) program. How will you address this longstanding problem in Ifugao (and elsewhere?). The usual answer to this query is the following: Convene the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) and the Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC) to mobilize officials against drug users and pushers. Good, but not good enough!
To finally contain the problem, there is a need to roll out a provincial anti-drug action plan for this social menace, focusing on better surveillance and extensive information dissemination campaign. The action plan should mainly entail the involvement of all sectors in the anti-drug campaign, most especially in the business sector.
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Life’s oddities: Only in the Philippines!
At a meeting of an international organization based in Manila, its head asked officers to give door prizes for the Christmas party.
At the said Christmas party, he asked what the American, Japanese, Chinese and Filipino were giving.
American: I have with me ten baskets of red Washington apples!
Japanese: I have with me ten baskets of Fuji apples!
Chinese: I have with me ten baskets of Mandarin oranges and Lychees!
Filipino: I have with me two doorknobs!
Head: Why bring doorknobs?
Filipino: Because you said to bring door prizes.
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Finally, some thoughts for our readers: “It would be a waste of resources if the vice president will end up just waiting for something to happen to the President. The office of the vice president presents huge opportunities to help the people.” As quoted from Vice President Leni Robredo.
“Politiko ka ba? Ang ganda kasi ng mga mata mo. Corrupt nang Corrupt.” As quoted from the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago.
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