By Anthony A. Araos
The rice terraces in Mayoyao town (in Ifugao province) are truly unique, enchanting and picturesque.
Small wonder, these wonders are attracting local and foreign tourists. Evidently, the town’s much-talked about terraces made it to the list of UNESCO Heritage Sites.
To my mind, the Mayoyao rice terraces as a whole, is just a perfect getaway (just like the world famous rice terraces of Banaue) to have that relaxing holiday vacation.
It is because of these great man-made terraces and the hospitality of its people that Mayoyao has been easily dubbed the “other tourism hub of Ifugao.” Certainly, it is hard to dispute this fact.
The sight of a rice terraces fascinates me a lot. It is of great interest to me since my childhood days.
Questions: So why the continuing interest for these terraces when there are many other places to visit? Why the interest in Mayoyao’s rice terraces?
It’s all because Mayoyao rice terraces are in bad shape. It is in pretty bad shape. This problem has remained a dark spot in Ifugao’s history and unable to spur the town’s tourism industry, as it continues to be confronted by widespread earthworm devastation. I have discussed much on the challenges burdening the agriculture sector in this part of Ifugao, and have long come to the conclusion that these woes are for the most part man-made rather than anything else. Thus, man-made solutions are needed.
I fully agree with the views of Mayoyao Mayor Lumayna that rehabilitation of the town’s rice terraces should be the priority of the provincial government.
Our discussions on key concerns facing the municipal governments are insightful and informative.
In about five villages, the problem on soil erosion of the terraces is well-pronounced. There are 27 barangays in Mayoyao.
There is no dissonance in our opinions on the need to infuse substantial funds to rehabilitate the terraces. As a matter of fact, we both agreed on the need for the government to provide subsidy to the terraces’ farmers.
More importantly, Mayor Lumayna once more showed his genuine concern to protect these terraces from further destruction.
Given the above sentiments, I saw Mayor Lumayna as a dynamic leader who is sensitive to the plight of the poor.
The need to appropriate necessary funds for the rehabilitation of badly-damaged terraces in Mayoyao is crystal clear. We just need to focus on the proper ways of doing it, work even harder in support of tourism and agriculture and find the right people to implement a very good blueprint.
My recommendation to Mayor Lumayna: Plan and implement a special campaign (for example, launch the “Save the Mayoyao Terraces Movement”) to engage the public and private sectors. Hold a Concert for a Good Cause.
All other related and meaningful initiatives surface the realization of the aspiration to really protect and save these terraces.
The Mayoyao rice terraces reflect the culture of Ifugao being an integral rice granary of the second district of the province.
It is but fitting and proper that the people of Mayoyao be accorded the highest priority of the Mayam-o administration.
Need I remind the officialdom that by doing so, the governor, vice governor and the ten board members are to rekindle the greatness of their ancestors in building these terraces with their bare hands?
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There are two other major concerns I’d like to be addressed urgently and resolutely by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Ifugao.
One is on education. For a long time, public schools (in primary and secondary levels) in far-flung barangays have been neglected. Facilities are antiquated and dilapidated. It’s high time to promote the interest of the pupils and students, ensure the sustainability of public educational institutions and protect the rights, interests and welfare of the teaching and non-teaching personnel.
Not one to sit on his laurels, Board Member James Frederick Dulnuan plans to pursue developmental strategies to address present-day problems of public schools and raised the standards of education. He is the chairman of the Committee on Education and Public Information.
Other provinces have already achieved their goal of upgrading the education sector. These provinces could not have done this without the all-out support, commitment and dedication of kind-hearted and generous individuals in the private sector. There is such a thing as the public-private partnership (PPP) program.
Amid the growing interest of the young on social media and new trends in education, the need to focus on improving the learning environment in Ifugao’s public schools surely and easily arises.
Therefore, young students would be well-served to be watchful of the province’s legislature, so that the possibility of having a bleak future would be avoided. By helping the young, let us not forget that such action will have a considerable impact on the future and welfare of their families.
In Hingyon town, for instance, I saw how a number of pupils of a public elementary school felt very blessed and privileged because of the assistance provided by the government, saying that this will inspire and motivate them to study harder.
This is precisely the reason why I’m hoping and praying that Board Member Dulnuan shall redouble his efforts in so far as strengthening and advancing his education advocacy in 2017 and beyond.
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My other concern is on peace and order. Maintenance of peace and order is still a major problem in the province.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) should focus on mobile and beat patrols. PNP units should always be on the lookout for lawless elements. Authorities are saying that crime incidence has decreased. Many do not believe criminality has lessened.
To my mind, provision of additional patrol motorcycles shall bolster police capability in the 11 municipalities. Why motorcycles? Due to its maneuverability, a motorcycle works best in crowded streets even alleys and heavy traffic. It also comes handy in an emergency.
But for heaven’s sake, policemen aboard these motorcycles must wear helmets. Set an example to others.
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May I enjoin any senator or representative to sponsor a bill in Congress mandating a home grown-candidate of the Philippines to any international beauty pageant to answer during the question and answer portion in the national language (Filipino) rather than in English. Why so? It shall manifest one’s love for country. Like what other contestants (Miss France, Miss Thailand and Miss Columbia, who answered in French, Thai and Spanish, respectively) in the just-concluded Miss Universe pageant. Except, you know whom!
And what’s the penalty for violating this law? Strip her of her Philippine citizenship!
It is utterly a shameless act to answer in a foreign tongue when there’s even a translator at hand to assist a candidate, to say the least.
I’m wondering if three Americans actually competed in the last Miss Universe pageant. Namely, Miss USA, Miss US Virgin Islands and someone who felt she was one and so she tried her very best to speak like one.
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Finally, some thoughts for our readers: “It is so important that local officials take action because each community has its own. vulnerabilities, risks and hazards.” Senator Loren Legarda, principal author of the Climate Change Act.**