By Anthony A. Araos
Barangay Mompolia takes pride of so many things. For one, breathtaking sceneries abound in this village of Hingyon town. This is one compelling reason why local and foreign tourists should visit the village.
It is, of course, the birthplace of Governor Pedro Mayam-o.
A lot can be said of his deeds and feats- as a lawyer, board member and vice governor, but above all, an honorable and humble man, a loving husband and father. But that’s entirely a different story.
There’s more for this far-away village of friendly and hardworking people. That’s because the famous heirloom rice is raised here for so many years. Farmers are so proud of their produce, more commonly known as “Tinawon” rice. Surely, this is why “farm tourism” is very much alive in this part of Hingyon. Wherever you go, it is not difficult to see and understand that the village holds so much potential in promoting farm tourism.
To my mind, Mompolia is an incredible destination for travelers. If you want to relax, rejuvenate and recharge a tired body and stressed mind, this is the perfect place to visit.
By boosting the village’s “farm tourism” potentials, I see more revenues for this predominantly agricultural town. Thus, this is a welcome development.
I call it a great transformation. Call it Incredible, too Incredouble. Expect to double personal (or family) incomes as well as municipal government income.
Through the months since its inception by Senator Cynthia Villar, who is the chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture and Food, farm tourism has been the stepping stone for a number of Filipinos who are seeking better lives or fortunes.
It was observed in recent times that mechanization influence (or the introduction of modern technology) penetrated many farms in the Philippines to an unprecedented extent. Whether Mompolia (or the other 174 villages of Ifugao) can assimilate such influence and still maintain a fundamentally Ifugao culture and way of planting rice remains an unanswered query.
Farming in this village has been bound by the Ifugao culture. This is also true throughout the province.
Going to Mompolia is not difficult. Tricycles are available. On your way to the village, one passes through a range of low and tall mountains, forming part of Hingyon’s upscale terrain. The range is also ideal for trekkers.
Naturally, it’s my wish and prayer that the underdeveloped villages like Mompolia will rise to cater to the steadily-increasing number of tourists in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). It will also address Ifugao’s longstanding tourism industry’s so dismal record.
Recently, I met a former Punong Barangay of Baguio City at Session Road. He is planning to visit Ifugao with his family. He asked for a particular place to see in the province. With no hesitation, I replied: “Naturally, it’s so nice to visit Mompolia, now!” He countered: “Unanimously approved!”
Oh well, I supposed it’s my humble contribution to the effort of reviving an ailing tourism industry.
-o0o-
I strongly believe that Hingyon Mayor Geraldo Luglug, Vice Mayor Avelino Dinamling and the town’s eight councilors and ABC president should promote eco-tourism as a means of boosting the tourism industry.
Eco-tourism is all about pursuing environment-friendly applications to feel the strength of protective measures while tourists savor the fun and excitement of the wonders of these destinations.
-o0o-
Verily, Ifugao’s tourism master plan should be constantly reviewed and updated. The solution to the problem on the poor tourist record in Ifugao is tapping the help of the bright men and women in the private sector.
-o0o-
Along with a camera (for picture taking purposes), a tourist should be bringing a lot of sense of humor while venturing in various destinations in Ifugao and elsewhere in the region. Well, it’s practically that the heavy rains are already here, most especially in the afternoon. There are lots of inconveniences for any traveler who simply wants to relax and enjoy for a day or two at this time of the year. Thus, one’s strong appetite for adventure-whether at the rice terraces in Banaue or Mayoyao or an organic farm in Alfonso Lista, the visitor should really have a great sense of humor. Try complementing thrilling activities with a bag of jokes. Crack jokes from time to time with old or new acquaintances while vacationing at distant places.
-o0o-
Addressing organic farming practitioners of Ifugao in a Forum on Organic Farming held recently at the Session Hall of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Board Member James Frederick Dulnuan said because of the organic farming’s immense importance linkages are needed between the private and public sectors to be established.
He also noted the need to improve the lives of organic farmers.
The event, initiated by Board Member Dulnuan of Banaue and Board Member Noli Maguiwe of Aguinaldo, was highly successful. Nearly a hundred individuals from the province’s 11 towns participated.
Other resource speakers include former Board Member Samson Atluna, agriculture board tenth placer Grethel Bucayo of Lagawe, Ifugao State University (IFSU) Vice President for Research Development Extension and Training Napoleon Taguiling and Dr. Padaca of the provincial health office.
OIC Provincial Agriculture Environment Resources Office (PAENRO) Catherine Buenaventura and Board Member Maguiwe also discussed key issues affecting organic farmers.
Buenaventura said this is an opportune time to invest one’s time, energy and resources in organic farming as Filipino’s faith on good nutrition and healthy lifestyle has doubly increased.
As another speaker at the said gathering, I’m heartened to see that many are now accepting the vitality and essence of organic farming.
But I’m also saddened and outraged by the fact that the government failed to come up with a comprehensive and genuine pro-farmer plan.
Farmers have to make do with the government’s small budget because the officialdom continues to waste taxpayer’s money by “underspending” for agriculture.
In Ifugao, it’s time to take a closer look on the agriculture production numbers. So, let us examine figures registered in the crops sub-sector, fisheries sub-sector, poultry sub-sector and livestock sub-sector. It is so important to determine the gross earnings of these sub-sectors.
There is so much joy and relief to the fact that Governor Mayam-o is a farmer by heart. He has a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree from the Benguet State University prior to becoming a lawyer.
Further, the provincial government should follow the lead and initiative of former Board Member Atluna who authored the Organic Farming Code of Ifugao. Many are so proud of this legislation. May I strongly urge Governor Mayam-o to take all necessary steps to ensure the Code’s full implementation. Sadly, it is not.
-o0o-
Still, on my food delight corner, because I simply love it. How about a lunch or dinner of beef and vegetable stew and java rice? Add fried bangus (milk fish) and lumpiang shanghai for a truly wonderful meal. For desert, always make it a point to have mangoes or bananas too!
You have to live life to the fullest by having a glass of chilled buko (coconut) or pineapple juice on the side. Remember a lunch or dinner at home with loved ones and friends with a touch of love and warmth at not-so-much expensive cost is a very practical idea in these still difficult times.
-o0o-
Life’s oddities: Only in the Philippines! An American, Chinese and Filipino philosophy students in a debate on the issue regarding a language’s worth.
American: “I’m so glad, I’m speaking the English language because it is said that ours is the universal language. In fact, most Filipinos are even fluent in my language. However, in my experience in Tokyo, Japan, it’s another matter. It’s Nippongo or nothing at all.”
Chinese: “I’m so glad, I’m speaking the Chinese language. Particularly, Mandarin because it is said ours is the most spoken one. Why? It is simply because China has the biggest population in the world. I’m, of course, glad that while I was at Juan Luna Street at the China Town section of Binondo, Manila, many were speaking in Mandarin. However, while in Tokyo, Japan, it’s another story. It’s Nippongo or nothing at all.”
Filipino: “I’m so glad I’m in a much better position than both of you. I’m really so glad, I know sign language, it’s pretty handy. No problem even in the U.S., China or even Japan.”
-o0o-
Finally, some thoughts for our readers: “The truth shall set you free.” John 8:32
“The one who exercises faith in the Sun has everlasting life.” John 3:36
“Succeed at home first.” My all-time favorite thought since my high school days
“When the government employee is poor and he works in a corrupt agency, he can resist everything except temptation,” Quoted from the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago
“Rather than thinking about success, think about progress.” Francis Kong, Philippine Star columnist who writes a widely-read column on business concerns on this national daily.**
