By Anthony A. Araos
There are 11 towns in Ifugao. An ordinance creating the sitio special growth zones (SSGZ) in Ifugao has been filed at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Main author is no less than Vice Governor Glenn Prudenciano.
It appears that principal beneficiaries are three sitios in Asipulo, four sitios in Tinoc, a sitio in Kiangan and another sitio in Banaue. It can’t be that only four towns would stand to benefit from the proposed measure. How about the seven other towns? This clearly calls for expansion of the ordinance’s coverage. There are sitios in Alfonso Lista town in need of preferential attention from the provincial government. In terms of infrastructure, existing road networks in these sitios are despicable.
Since the ordinance was crafted with the intention to cover Ifugao it is only but proper to conduct the first province-wide public hearings. When confronted with difficult and problematic issues as this one, it is best to feel the pulse of majority of the people.
Inclusion of other impoverished sitios in Mayoyao and the other six towns can go a long way in lessening the people’s hardships. Thousands of folks in these sitios are also bound to suffer with the continuous delay to rectify the poor conditions of their communities. Government is seen well when it could provide the most basic services to the people.
Ifugao’s so-called “economic special zones” failed to deliver the promise of alleviating the plight of the poor. Methodologies in operating these “economic special zones” were flawed. Re-adoption of unsound policies of bygone times is frightening, to say the least. This time with the guidance of Vice Governor Prudenciano, the provincial government should be more careful and more thorough in handling this concern. The provincial government has to really step up the campaign to reduce poverty.
A provision of the ordinance states: “The Sitio Special Growth Zone shall perform such other functions as may be required by the Barangay Council.” Please Vice Governor Prudenciano, let it not be true. Keep off the barangay government from this initiative. Enough of old-school formulas for this longstanding problem and new mindsets are required for economic emancipation, strong trade and investments in these sitios to happen.
Another provision mentioned three members of the Sitio Special Growth Zone Team. They are representatives of women, elderly and youth sectors. Ops, you forgot a representative of the agriculture sector. Well, these localities are predominantly farming sitios.
Is the budget of Php 3,150,000 allocated for the nine sitios by the ordinance sufficient for achieving its objective? I’m backing a higher budget
Special support interventions from the private sector shall offset imbalances and deficiencies that traditional approaches of barangay governments usually commit. It is time to put smiling faces on the people at these sitios. One has to constantly consider new mindsets in keeping with the changing times.
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To better promote the call of Agriculture Secretary William Dar for crop diversification, I’m strongly recommending the shift to raising high-value crops like cucumber. Growing instead cucumber is ideal in Ifugao and many other provinces in the Cordillera Administrative Region. It has a short gestation period, just about 35 days to harvest after first planting. Cucumber is a popular ingredient for salads. There is indeed money in cucumber farming. My friends in Alfonso Lista, Kiangan and Lagawe have huge earnings out of their cucumber produce. Why don’t you seriously think about it?
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Brainy tidbit: Whether it is the “new normal” or the “modified community quarantine,” try to stay away from stupid folks (of classes C, D and E) who are normally seen at sari-sari stores and other odd places. There is so much yin (slow, passive) energy. Stay elsewhere and keep a good, positive and healthy outlook in life. Yes, you deserve to be around happy, right-thinking and positive people as their good energy and perspective will be healthy for you.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis brought a significant change in society that truly created varying levels of anxiety, fear and restlessness for many people. Additionally, it showed the true character of many Filipinos who think stupidity is a virtue.
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Board Member Perfecta Dulnuan’s competence in advancing women’s concerns, the very reason she was elected to the position in the first place during the 2019 polls, is outstanding.
She authored Ordinance 2019-11 providing annual cash assistance to registered indigent solo parents in Ifugao. It was passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on November 12, 2019. Curiously, it failed to get the approval of Governor Jerry Dalipog. I’m wondering why the SP took no action to override the veto.
The work of the provincial government to push the Solo Parent agenda is very important. However, it is essential now that political commitment is translated into firm action.
The ordinance is an important step which can be articulated by other sectors. Legal relief at the SP won’t happen overnight, but it would help if right-thinking folks committed for a clear roadmap for improving the quality of lives of cash-strapped solo parents in these uncertain times, for them to be able to do their share in nation-building.
There is a need to have a critical position on this matter since solo parents are vulnerable in a period of crisis because of the high cost of living.
Notwithstanding this unfortunate turn of events, it is prayed that Ifugao’s solo parents face challenges on their own, and trust that they are strong enough to learn and grow from these.
As one of the 11 members of the SP, many are aware that Board Member Dulnuan will give the women sector the rightful representation it deserves. Let her personal milestones, therefore, inspire every female legislator to always serve, protect and uphold their duties as responsible servants of the people.
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Healthy tidbit: It pays to laugh a lot each day. Laughing lowers the stress hormone cortisol. It is a way of creating positive energy. It changes everything.
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Cadet Rojes Gaile Bacud Jamandre of Lamut, Ifugao placed fourth among the Top Ten graduates of the Philippine Military Academy this year. Board Member Aezle Dumangeng filed a resolution at the SP commending her feat. Congratulations and Godspeed!
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For our food delights corner: Don’t hesitate to try tinapa spring roll (lumpia) for dinner. Excellent with sinigang na hipon (shrimp), grilled eggplant and steamed rice. For appetizers and dessert: vanilla cake, avocado and chilled lychee juice. Feel free to make substitutions if these items are not readily available. Keep on praying for these palate-pleasing treats and more blessings.
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Finally, here are some thoughts for our dear readers: “You can do all things through Jesus Christ who gives you strength.” Phil 4:13
“I have poured My love with your heart through My Spirit.” Rom 5:5
“Inner peace can block any windy weather.” Lailah Gifty Akita
“If things feel hopeless, then hope means hoping; otherwise, it isn’t a virtue at all.” G.K. Chesterton**
