By Anthony A. Araos
Ifugao’s mountains need to be reforested. The forest cover is fast dwindling. This is a serious problem. It is a race against the clock, to say the least.
There seems to be utter confusion and lack of understanding among Ifugao folks on the essence of the law against “kaingin” (slash and burn farming) practice in the province. Most of them are saying there is nothing wrong with it. Well, it is illegal.
The government needs to enforce the law. The ”kaingin” practice is prevalent in Ifugao’s 11 towns.
But people resort to cultivating the mountain slopes for their livelihood so the government must inform them of the problems brought about by this practice. This practice causes soil erosion and mudslides which could bury whole villages and cause death. The government should undertake training programs on proper agriculture, reforestation and forest management practices.
Kaingin practice is not the only cause of the deforestation in the province. There are many illegal tree cutters. The government should arrest them. They are threatening the lives of the people.
Ifugao is lucky to have Vice Governor Glenn Prudenciano as an advocate of the reforestation programs in the province. He is a staunch advocate of the “muyong” program. He is a true-blooded environmentalist. He spearheaded a tree-planting project at Barangay Olilicon in the capital town of Lagawe. Olilicon is a remote and impoverished village. He was joined by barangay council officials and villagers in the noteworthy undertaking. The planting of trees- be it fruit-bearing or for shade, in communities should be an utmost priority.
The devastated mountainside site caused by “kaingins” at Barangay Amganad, Banaue is a grim consequence of people’s indifference to the environment. Sad to say, I saw two other villages of the town with the same problem.
Social values have changed almost irreversibly. Justifying cutting of trees to make a living and provide wood to construct houses of poor folks is not wisdom but a destruction of what our ancestors strove to protect for us. We have a duty to do the same for the next generation.
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A Natural Dyeing and Back-strap Weaving Training Program was held at the Weaving Center of the LAB Tie Dye Weavers Association at Barangay Amganad in Banaue with Councilor Robert Immotna as the guest of honor. His inspirational talk was one of the highlights of the activity which was backed by Governor Jerry Dalipog, ICHO and the Provincial Planning and Development Office.
Frankly speaking, the province’s weaving industry is in a precarious state. Young people seem not to be interested in it. Of the 15 participants who completed the eight-day activity, only one was a youth. It remains a herculean job for the ICHO to generate interest in weaving among the youth. They simply don’t grasp the business potential in weaving. An advice to the hardworking ICHO head: Focus, focus and focus on the need for the young to be exposed to the nation’s cultural heritage. It is only when they understand their culture that they will start to value it.
I’m confident that Councilor Immotna shall succeed in both reviving the weaving industry and promoting the tourism industry. He will make a big difference. Banaue is truly fortunate to have someone who is giving his utmost to this endeavor.
Promoting Banaue woven items to the world through the internet should be a priority project of the province. Encourage a new generation of young designers and weavers. Give them a chance to make a name for themselves. It can’t be a business-as-usual attitude.
An advice to Councilor Immotma: Engage, engage and engage the private sector, most especially those gifted with the expertise in communications to ensure timely and efficient interchanges with the public.
I keep praying for the continued success and good health of Mrs. Luglug, Councilor Immotma and officers of the LAB Tie Dye Weavers Association. This is my way of contributing to the betterment of the lives of weavers and tourism growth.
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A blooper in Ifugao: A brochure of the Kiangan Tourism Office states the following information: “Dialects: Tuwali, Ilocano, Ayangan, Kalanguya, Tagalog & English.” Correction: English and Tagalog are languages, not dialects. Dialect and language are two different things. A lot different!
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For our food delights corner: A great snack time treat for your family and loved ones may well be home-made pancakes and hamburgers. For the pancakes, be creative by having strawberry jam to enrich its taste. Or try dragon fruit jam or tomato jam, if available. For the hamburgers, add fries and cucumbers on the side. One may also try shrimp hamburgers for a different experience. Chilled mango juice adds a zest to merienda breaks. You will experience God’s love for humanity through a prayer before meals.
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Finally, here are some thoughts for our dear readers: “Criticism is the belief in the value of time devoted to constructive human thinking. It is important because how else do we make sense of our world, our home that gets destroyed by the minute, if we don’t stop for a moment to think?” book author Richard Bolisay
“Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:1-5
“We still have to let the world know that now is the time to stand with Hong Kong.” democracy activist Joshua Wong **
