By Anthony A. Araos

For making Ifugao dream vacations possible, that goes beyond imagination, check the following discussion.
Tourists around the world are consistently making sure that they are safe and comfortable while visiting various destinations.
I have already written and discussed nearly 300 attractions in Ifugao province. Undoubtedly, the “Guiltless Thoughts” column has honored the province’s rich and colorful culture with commentaries that embody the spirit of Filipino pride. This time around, let’s look into some obvious problems of the tourism industry in this part of the country. Well, the problems are plenty. These problems are deeply-rooted.
In my unspoken dedication to help Ifugao’s ailing tourism industry, I’m dissecting this issue for the nth time. Yes, the tourism industry is in big trouble—not in good health. I do not believe in saying it’s healthy when it isn’t. It is simply a good idea to tell it to the incoming provincial government officials. Telling it to someone trustworthy, responsible and well-meaning by 2019 to solve this longstanding problem, may well be the best option. Conditions at this time are still mushy and murky. It is like I have never been with anyone who understands the problem at all and chooses to find time on this matter over and above anything else. Hopefully, by next year Ifugao voters have found the right men and women for the job of running the government efficiently and effectively. Sometimes, it can be the simplest thing that will tell you that you are finally communicating with the right person at the provincial government.
There’s no better way to ensure that Ifugao’s dream vacations are realized in 2018 and beyond than to improve first accessibility of the province to local and foreign tourists. I think the private sector must improve the transport industry. Reference is made to the fact that Ohayami Trans offers only night trips from Manila and Baguio City to Banaue. At most, there are two trips coming from Manila and Baguio City.
Last June 10, I met eight tourists from Poland (mostly students of Charzow, a city known for production of glass and bricks) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City. They were planning to visit Banaue. They were at the airport at 7 in the morning. When told that the bus trip to Banaue is scheduled at 9:30 p.m., they opted to go to Subic Freeport instead.
This development has brought about the recurring question on whether the Ohayami Trans management should modify its bus schedules. No less than key leaders of nongovernment organizations (NGOs) and people’s organizations (POs) have come up with the proposition that in order to raise the standards of the transport industry in the province, Ohayami Trans should consider operating day trips as well. It is not pertinent at this stage to spell out the mechanics of the proposed expansion scheme, but suffice to say that the idea of introducing day trips has gained sufficient public support to merit further discussion.
How does one further make the Ifugao dream vacations possible? For one, Ohayami Trans buses should travel along Ambuklao Road to cut travel time by about three hours. The difference in skipping a rather circuitous Dalton Pass route is quite striking. Other buses from Baguio City are already taking this route. Secondly, by purchasing new China-made Yutong buses the company shall be able to offer deluxe (or first class) trips for tourists and other high-end commuters. Conversely, allowing these buses to travel via SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway) and TPLEX (Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway) routes and shorten travel time. Thirdly, it should look for a new terminal in Sampaloc, Manila. Obscured by cramped spaces at the present terminal and likely to be obscured again by a fleet of old buses, and all things considered, Ohayami Trans really needs a new and more spacious terminal. A major bus company aggressively modernizing its fleet but without a new and large-sized terminal where to load and unload its passengers is unthinkable. After all, the company has to modernize its operations. Is that all? Consider opening a Manila to Baguio City trip. Yet, the company has to be competitive. For passengers, it meant a lot in terms of comfort, safety and service.
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The lives of thousands of malnourished children in Ifugao can be saved each year with investment in the feeding program and correct mindset in the officialdom.
Many of the ill-effects of malnutrition on the province’s young could be prevented if high-impact and affordable solutions reached the populations that needed them most.
My analysis shows that increasing the budgetary allocation of feeding programs to keep more impoverished children healthy is feasible. Sadly, Ifugao’s feeding programs, most especially in the barangay level, are grossly underfunded.
Towns hold their so-called “monthly nutrition culminating programs” at the end portion of July. Speeches of officials and “guest speaker” usually highlight these programs. It simply ends there. You’ll see these officials smiling and shaking the hands of the participants. With the pervading message in the air: Bye and see you again next year. Yet, the malnutrition problem persists. This paled in comparison to my advocacy of focusing on the problem itself and raising the ante on infusing more funds on the feeding program to sustain it throughout the year. A Kiangan councilor once told me that “it is the belief of many in the government that July is the only time to attend to this concern because it is nutrition month.”
To this end, the province needs officials with a new mindset to achieve the goal of eradicating the malnutrition problem. There is now an urgent need for a more effective approach to handle the problem, and the courage to breaking completely from old concepts of merely holding monthly nutrition culminating programs (with its attending jingles, dances and skits numbers) when malnutrition is still very rampant.
The fulfillment of this hope and the emergence of a sound and long-lasting way of eliminating the malnutrition problem not just in Ifugao but in the entire country lie in the steadfast and unstinted support of the scheme of continuous progressive funding of feeding programs.
Right-thinking Ifugao folks must bear in mind that an ideal nutrition program is one which brings positive result to every Ifugao child. They must take account of the fact that the conduct of the provincial and municipal monthly nutrition culminating programs entails huge expenses. Considering the fact the cost of living these days is without a doubt high, the practice of spending so much for this activity is largely unsound. How about spending these scarce funds instead for feeding programs? The present practice of holding these so-called “monthly nutrition culminating programs” should be discontinued. In other words, said programs should culminate or end starting this year! Enough of this nonsense!
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Among those who are eyeing a seat at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (for the second district) is former Punong Barangay Fernando Bahatan of Poblacion, Banaue. The second district is also composed of Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista and Mayoyao towns. Bahatan served as a board member in the past in his capacity as president of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) Federation of Ifugao. He is also a strong advocate of youth and women empowerment. Leaders of various sectors in Banaue likewise are urging him to run in the municipal level in the 2019 midterm polls. It is hoped that in the event that Mr. Bahatan throws his hat in the political arena next year and is successful in his bid, it may serve as impetus for everyone to exert greater efforts towards strengthening the role of youth and women in nation-building. It will be highly appreciated if Mr. Bahatan takes the cudgels of marginalized communities. He should also strive to give premium to safeguarding Ifugao’s increasingly endangered ecology and environment.
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Finally, word is out that minimum wage earners in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) will receive a pay increase of Php 20 to Php 30 in their daily salaries. It was approved on July 20 and its announcement made by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board.
I attended the so-called “wage hike” consultation for Ifugao at Southville Inn in Lagawe. I saw the spark of interest among workers in the province that aired their sentiments on key concerns of the labor sector.
As a result of the imposition of the ill-advised TRAIN law, prices of most basic commodities have significantly increased. They are now very expensive. For instance, the price of rice- the nation’s staple food is so high. The problem is how we can buy them at a cheaper price. The problem of how to make both ends meet in these difficult economic times can be solved if the government opted instead for a legislated wage hike action.
It is common knowledge that Php 20 is only good for buying ten pan de sals (at Php 2 each) and Php 30 is not even enough to buy a kilo of rice. The Php 20 or Php 30 wage increase is not reasonable. These are not commensurate to the high cost of living. It is like a lightning hitting poverty-stricken workers. These are mere peanuts compared to salary hikes of highly-placed government officials. The point being made here is that the pro-management Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board have outlived its existence and purpose. It should be abolished!
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About this time, 31 days of August private and public schools are focused on stimulating the young’s interest and familiarity with the national language. Thus, the “Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa” (“Month of the National Language”) is aptly celebrated in August of each year. It allows many opportunities in observing the significance of using the national language in the daily life. Pupils and students in Ifugao’s public elementary and high schools should speak the national language thus, walk patriotically at all times. They can also flaunt their nationalism clear, loud and proudly with the national language. The message to Ifugao’s youngsters: You’re Filipinos. You have a national language. Don’t be hostile to your national language!
Ang unang sukat sa pagmamahal sa bayan ay ang pagsasalita sa wikang pambansa. Maiuugnay ito sa buhay sa loob at labas ng paaralan at maging sa tahanan.
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Regional officer Reynaldo Segismundo of the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) is a highly-educated, articulate, cheerful and God-fearing individual. I learned a lot during the Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) Training Program of the FPA in Lagawe, where I also spoke on the role of farmers and agri-business in propelling the nation’s economy. It is a rather difficult job for business owners of fertilizers and pesticides, just trying to sell their wares in the province at a time organic farming is on the rise. The relevance of educating the people on the ill-effects of pesticides and other harmful substances to human beings is hard to downplay. It matters terribly to traders of saving themselves and the public from substance poisoning. It overwhelmingly confirms the need to ban altogether these pesticides. I talked to participants from Asipulo, Kiangan, Lamut, Mayoyao and Tinoc and they all expressed their fears on being exposed to pesticides. How much more the farmers? I’m commending Mr. Segismundo and the others who are affiliated with the FPA, an agency under the Office of the President, for coming well-prepared for the two-day activity. Let our farmers and all others in the agriculture sector be blessed at all times.
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A tip for success: Fight stress by thinking positive! Stress is definitely not good for one’s health. Stress takes away nutrients from your skin. If this happens, the result is simply unimaginable. It leaves the skin dry, dull and ages so quickly. Don’t take the work load of your friends or accommodate others at the expense of your well-being. Getting vitamins B (and iron), C and E are essential in taking care of the stress problem. However, I supposed that thinking positive at all times still totally counts.
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For our food delights corner: Your search for delectable and nutritious dish, prepared and flavored with top-notch ingredients in Philippine style is finally over. I’m dishing out a favorite of mind. It’s all about adobong kangkong, fried carp (fish), tortang talong (eggplant omelet) and steamed rice, served with achara.
For appetizers and dessert: chocolate mallows, sliced avocado and chilled mango juice.
Always make way for suggestions and ideas on cooking from your family or loved ones. Their inputs, however, may cause you a problem. If you’re the one who is preparing the meal, you’ll get to stay a bit longer at the kitchen. For effortless chores there every day, be creative. Say a prayer too!
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Finally some thoughts for our readers: “Happy are those hearing the word of God and keeping it.” Luke 11:28
“Any effort to convene a constituent assembly now is as good as dead because we are not adopting any joint resolution that could pave the way for con-ass. As far as the Senate is concerned, the present Charter change is just waiting to be cremated.” Senator Panfilo Lacson
“Carefully, no known critic of the Palace was included who could have helped cross-fertilize ideas sharply, in creative tension. The Integrated Bar of the Philippines, for one, was apparently not reproached deliberately because it raises foolish questions in the eyes of the Palace.” Former Senator Rene Saguisag on the composition of the Consultative Committee
“Education plays a crucial role in making growth inclusive and boosting national competitiveness. China, as it gained prosperity, poured resources into educating its people and promoting innovation. Singapore, during an economic slowdown a few years ago, boosted government spending on education.” Philippine Star editor-in-chief and columnist Ana Marie Pamintuan**