By Anthony A. Araos
It is not hard to appreciate Mayoyao as the “next great destination” of Ifugao because of the fact that the town is truly blessed with so many natural and man-made wonders. Take my word for it!
For a start, getting a lot of fresh air is a must-do act while in Mayoyao. This is exactly what an air pollution-free environment is all about. This is surely good news for local tourists who are coming all the way from Manila, Caloocan City or Pasay City.
Noticeable are the unspoiled, undiscovered rice terraces. To my mind, it is a milestone in pre-contemporary period engineering works. For the discerning individuals, there’s a big difference between the town’s rice terraces and those in Banaue or Kiangan. Find out through a visit.
This visit or trip surely offers one a super great treat I know they’ll really love. Enjoy the panoramic views nearly everywhere.
But wait, it doesn’t even end there. Mayoyao is also seen in a new light. This is a wonderful destination where local and foreign tourists are to experience Philippine (not just Ifugao) culture, food and people by visiting the town’s villages.
A close friend of mine (an American) who visited Mayoyao two years ago uttered: “My Mayoyao trip is actually the best I’ve ever had.” I fully agree. By recalling her unforgettable experience, readers get to see and learn how amazing this town really is.
The five-star (actually, if there is a six-star, I’ll readily give it) rating I’m giving Mayoyao is easily reflected in human-interest commentaries as this one which invigorate and tickle the mind as they inform. In this aspect, also are the tales of friendly, smiling and hospitable people.
Then, also, the spotlight may fall on the shoulders of the men and women who take care of the day-to-day affairs of the municipal and village halls.
Whatever the reason, when going to Mayoyao for a much-needed vacation the choice is no longer of the good, better and best. It’s simply: the better and best.
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Today, many continue to applaud the leadership of Vice Mayor Jimmy Padchanan Jr. in uplifting the conditions of his constituents. He is also credited for heralding Mayoyao to be one of the leading destinations in Ifugao.
If you think a vice mayor is a mere spare tire, think again. Vice Mayor Padchanan is an active partner of Mayor Ronie Lumayna in propelling the town’s growth and development.
As its presiding officer, Vice Mayor Padchanan has steered the Sangguniang Bayan to pursue the path of quality legislation. He made sure that ordinances and resolutions passed by the legislative body are for the benefit of the people, most especially the poor.
If that’s not enough, Vice Mayor Padchanan gives ample time for farmers who constitute a significant portion of the populace.
Peasants from remote villages requested assistance from him. He listened attentively to them. He worked and worked very hard to help them. There’s only a few of them in this impoverished province.
There is strong rainfall during the wet season. Also, this time of the year in the Philippines, inclement weather is approaching. Vice Mayor Padchanan is undeterred to move heaven and earth in extending a helping hand to the poor and needy.
Scarce resources have hindered the delivery of fundamental services to underserved communities in Mayoyao. Vice Mayor Padchanan has to resort to creative approaches in overcoming big obstacles. “We have no option but to help them,” he declared.
Vice Mayor Padchanan, a staunch advocate of pro-farmer agenda, now prides himself to be a part of the new breed of well-meaning and dedicated public servants in Ifugao.
Many times taking great risks — planned-out or otherwise, like electing non-traditional politicians (non-trapos), can actually be good for the people’s well-being. It’s the heightened awareness in actual risk-taking action in an electoral exercise that’s so valuable.
Truth to tell, the strong partnership of Mayor Lumayna and Vice Mayor Padchanan has widened the opportunities of expanding pro-people initiatives such as on the social development front.
Mayoyao is so fortunate to have two outstanding leaders. Mayor Lumayna and Vice Mayor Padchanan are exerting their utmost to ensure sustained economic growth in this part of the province.
Whoever said that an obscure town as this one can have the best local chief executives around in the persons of Mayor Lumayna and Vice Mayor Padchanan? Nonetheless, good leadership inspires us all. Each poll year, voters are on the look-out for them.
Who do you look for? Think about it. Keep this issue. Make it happen!
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Congratulations and best wishes to the newly-wed couple of my best friend’s daughter. No less than Engr. Richard Carlos of Baguio City. Wedding and reception will be at Baguio Country Club. Atty. Faustino Olowan is one of the Godfathers. Olowan, long-time distinguished councilor in the nation’s summer capital, along with Engr. Carlos, are two of my closest friends.
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Ifugao appears to be on its way to gaining the distinction as the hub of organic farming in the CAR.
To take advantage of the opportunities arising from the expanding international market, the province needs to deepen its contacts with buyers of vegetables and other produce in other countries. The market potentials in both domestic and regional markets are so huge.
As it is, there is a promising cluster in Mayoyao, Aguinaldo and Alfonso Lista towns. The other cluster is composed of Hingyon, Hungduan and Banaue towns.
One good thing going for this concern is the planned holding of the First Ifugao Organic Farmers Festival in Mayoyao this year. The three-day festivity, aims to jumpstart organic farming practices, generate quality jobs, create a competitive industry and become a regional hub in the near future.
Change comes in different forms and sizes. Whether tomorrow, or three weeks from now, it is bound to happen. So it seems only reasonable to ask the query: “What will it be for farmers who use pesticides or herbicides, if at all, in 2018 and beyond?”
Whether it is worth answering or ignoring this is entirely up to the farmer.
The social philosophies and attitudes of the people on organic farming are indicated in their sentiments by the very nature of their views and opinions.
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Substance is a word meaning “any type of matter of a specific chemical composition.” It is a noun. These days, many associated substances in the all-out campaign of President Duterte against illegal drugs. So, these are generally referred to as banned substances.
In farming, there are also harmful substances used by some farmers.
So I asked businesswoman Josephine Bogbog of Kiangan this query: “Why is your brand a better choice of farmers in Ifugao and elsewhere?” “Because the products of Agrigrowth International Corporation are organic fertilizers thus, free from pesticides, herbicides and other harmful substances,” she answered.
Will the farmers buy her products to protect their plants from insecticides? I got some good answers in a couple of minutes of our conversation. I learned a lot from her.
The Agrigrowth International Corporation presently is providing the needs of farmers in several towns in Ifugao. This Isabela-based firm looks well-placed for sustained expansion in Ifugao and the CAR in the coming months, thereby helping to support the regional economy.
With Ms. Bogbog around, AIC personnel (to include technician Johnson Dulnuan) will continue to work toward realizing the dream of every Filipino farmer to have a better future.
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For our food delights corner: If you have the time and it’s not raining, have lunch consisting of chicken barbecue and rice. Admittedly, I still have a terrible hangover for grilled barbecues. Some of my friends at the University of the Philippines instead preferred pork barbecues; nevertheless, everything’s well after a raucous revelry. This goes well with asparagus and corn soup.
Budget permitting, add sisig (boiled pork cheek) for more culinary zest. Tip: make sure the pork is grilled to crunchy perfection, chopped and mixed with chicken liver, onions and kalamansi (native lemons) and spiked with soy, vinegar and fresh chili.
This time, I’ll recommend a glass or two of chilled buko pandan plus slices of egg pie and bananas.
Remember, preparing your own flavorful cuisine is always an exciting idea. Be creative!
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Finally, some thoughts for our readers: “Seasons do for time what tidiness does for space.” Samuel Butler
“Marriage is love. Love is blind. Therefore, marriage is an institution for the blind,” Quoted from the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago
“Through this initiative (Alliance Towards Prosperity For All), we are creating a sustained alliance to fight off poverty through empowering micro and small entrepreneurs,” Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion.
“If you ask the Father anything in my name, He will give it to you.” John 16:23
