By Anthony A. Araos

I have seen rice terraces in Vietnam and the sights and views out there are no different from the rice terraces in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), most especially those in Banaue and Mayoyao towns in Ifugao. I was told that Vietnamese television networks even aired shows on these rice terraces as inspired by Vietnamese folklore.
Vietnam is known for its beaches, rivers, Buddhist pagodas, rice paddies and bustling cities and provinces. Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) like the Philippines. The two countries work closely with fellow ASEAN member states particularly in areas that encompass economic cooperation. Both countries’ economies are predominantly agriculture thus my interest is focused on the rice terraces. As a longstanding partner of the Philippines in the region, Filipinos should truly understand and appreciate their common features with the Vietnamese people. One clear area of strong bilateral exchanges is on tourism. I recently told a group of Vietnamese tourists (seven of them from Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon) whom I met in Pasay City to visit the rice terraces of Banaue and Mayoyao.
In between notable attractions of Banaue outside of the main barangay Poblacion area are panoramic views provided by San Fernando Rice Terraces. They tell us why tourists love the Philippines, about being passionately in love with its natural wonders.
I am glad that Mayor Jerry Dalipog and other municipal government officials have taken cognizance of the importance of San Fernando Rice Terraces in the town’s tourism industry, and its potential for being a major destination in the Asian continent. The people of barangay San Fernando are surely enjoying the rewards born by years of steady flow of visitors- local and foreign, in their village. It is my hope that the adjoining villages will also reap the benefits of a flourishing tourism industry.
And who could resist the beauty of San Fernando Rice Terraces. One could not help but admire the spectacular vistas around it. Wait until you reach the place after two hours or so hike. Take photographs of the rice terraces. This is a perfect place to be creative and imaginative, which is great for those in the arts or in any creative field, including those working in the entertainment or movie industry.
Venture into San Fernando Rice Terraces and be enthralled by its majestic sight perched on a beautiful landscape. Parallel to the other rice terraces in the province, the San Fernando Rice Terraces is truly a place to behold! A vacation trip to Banaue is not complete without seeing San Fernando Rice Terraces.
While in Banaue, be an environmentalist. Be a part of the effort to support sustainable practices. Traverse a good number of kilometers of path to learn more about the value of forest protection as well as watershed in the province as a means of safeguarding its water supply. In other words, there’s a lot to learn and gain in a nature walk. Just last week, I counted eight Belgian tourists on their way to San Francisco Rice Terraces. They made a splendid decision to visit the place!
A visit to San Fernando Rice Terraces is about learning up close and personal the intricacies of planting and harvesting its famed “mountain rice.” Otherwise known as “tinawon” rice, it is different from the commercial ones since “tinawon” rice is organically-raised and planted just once a year. This is how the indigenous people’s (IPs) in this part of the world are engaging in farming as a means of living. It is also nice to know how they do it minus modern-day implements. Rewind the clock: take a glimpse of agriculture untouched by mechanization and this is exactly what I am leading to. Somehow, you’re puzzled, amused and shocked. Is it true? Are you in the heart of darkness? Does upland farming require government interventions to improve productivity thus, uplifting the plight of impoverished Ifugao farmers? Has adequate advice have been made available by the Department of Agriculture to stop backward practices? Go find out the answers to these questions. Set into motion your critical mind. Feel this moment while searching for some explanations. These explanations are moored from the standpoint of a culture far different from yours. When you’re ready to accept these explanations you may take it as a cue to take the forefront of clearing some misconceptions of Ifugao tillers to many others. I hope you comprehend what I am emphasizing at this point.
This is certainly not an indecisive day which is why you should feel relax, comfortable and focus. Take a different route to map out the future. Let’s find a place to do it. Visit San Fernando Rice Terraces this year!
-o0o-
I am deeply honored and privileged to have a meaningful discussion with former Lamut Councilor Brenda Sawad on issues affecting the women sector.
When I asked her views on women empowerment and issues related to health and education, her answers were pointed, well-pronounced and enlightening. She’s just eager to take an active role in improving the conditions of women, most especially the poor. It signifies her willingness to serve the people. She is incredibly brave, intelligent, caring, warm-hearted, honest and friendly.
To find the best for leading the cause of taking the cudgels of the women sector in 2019 and beyond, look no further than for Mrs. Sawad. Mrs, Sawad’s advocacy and influence could certainly help end the silence of most women and consequently address the issues on discrimination, poverty and inequalities. All of these are realized, through provision of employment and livelihood, institution of health and education reforms, promotion of housing and food security concerns and equitable distribution of resources.
If the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (provincial board) has been so glaringly anti-women in its composition (with an all-male vice governor and ten board members calling the shots), is it fair to blame our women over it when they outnumber male voters? By contrast, there are four female Senators in the 23-member Philippine Senate and the so-called Ifugao intellectual circle appears to be clueless on what strategic direction to take.
Without a doubt, Ifugao is in dire need of female legislators at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan who not only exhibit exemplary skills, knowhow and dedication to work through the pursuit of quality legislation but also make significant contributions to the lives of the downtrodden. For short, the search is on for female Board Members who shall make a difference in the lives of the voiceless and powerless.
I hope she stays on course and be at the forefront of discussions in the effort to promote and protect the welfare of women.
-o0o-
Which public elementary school in Ifugao performed well in its feeding program? Many will be in for a big surprise for my answer and explanation.
Feeding program is an essential instrument in undercutting the mounting malnutrition problem in the Philippines. The feeding programs of public schools in Ifugao are no different from all others in the country. Thus, no clear winner emerged in the province. In fact, most of these schools faced difficulties in funding the said program. Translated: feeding programs are largely underfunded.
Well, the problem is not merely confined in Ifugao. For starters, there are 2.5 million school children who are suffering from long-term, chronic malnutrition. Another problem is the huge backlog in food preparation and storage equipment in schools, which easily hampers DepEd’s (Department of Education) mission to provide education and nutrition to school children. Procurement of kitchen facilities such as easy-to-acquire stoves, refrigerators and ovens entails huge expenses. Feeding programs were initiated without considering the budgetary constraints. To aggravate the situation, educators have to grapple with circuitous procurement processes and voluminous reporting requirements. Everything had to be tedious just to buy a plate or a spoon for the feeding program! The success of the feeding program lies primarily on availability of facilities to prepare healthy and safe food for the millions of children under the said program. This year, the DepEd allocated Php 5.3 billion to feed wasted and severely wasted Kindergarten to Grade 6 public school pupil’s one meal a day for 120 days. Likewise, it had allotted Php 3.5 billion to feed 1.8 million students for the same period. In summation, poor school children are in for a treat next year, that is, if there is an increased budgetary outlay for the school feeding program.
Nutrition deficiency brought by malnutrition impairs immunity and increases susceptibility to illness. Malnutrition affects school performance. According to studies, low birthweight reduces a person’s IQ by five percentage points and stunting by five to 11 points. And these conditions escaped the attention of provincial government officials? Oh, common.
Let’s face and admit it: Malnutrition has a deep impact on the intellectual and physical development of a child. I heard a highly-placed Ifugao official said: “There is no malnutrition problem in the province.” How could that be when feeding programs are everywhere in Ifugao? The provincial government’s problems are known to be numerous and needing immediate attention. One such problem is officials who are in a denial mode.
Moreover, I challenge Ifugao DepEd officials to hold an inter-school feeding program contest. Winners are adjudged on the basis of the projects impact on the marked improvement on the status of the malnourished children. No more, no less.
-o0o-
The Banaue-based Rice Terraces Farmers’ Cooperative, as it is today, didn’t evolve without its share of growing pains. Major difficulties and significant developments accentuated these years, and through it all, the Rice Terraces Farmers’ Cooperative has emerged as the responsive and vibrant body it is today, ever steadfast in the pursuit of its objectives and gearing up for the various challenges of the future. It is headed by Jimmy Lingayo.
To my mind, under the able and strong stewardship of Mr. Lingayo, the Rice Terraces Farmers Cooperative’s role and goals will remain the same.
It is my fervent hope and prayer that farmers- be they the rice terraces of Banaue, Asipulo, Kiangan, Hungduan, Mayoyao or elsewhere in the province, will continue to have a voice on how to shape the economy and deliver these objectives.
-o0o-
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has supported the conduct of the Skills Transfer Training on Gong-beating and Native Dancing at the Poblacion North Barangay Hall in Lagawe, Ifugao. The truth is that the Lagawe-based Ifugao Cultural, Educational, Scientific and Community Development Center, Inc. (ICESCDI) is ingenious for partnering with the NCCA for this noteworthy endeavor. Funded by the NCCA, the five-day project provided immeasurable and long-lasting lessons to the young on promoting distinct cultural practices. Undoubtedly, the NCCA invested Php 100,000 for a project with a purpose.
-o0o-
A tip for success: Think long-term. You need to be so patient in building and increasing your wealth over time. Sweat it out to attain your goals.
-o0o-
Blooper in Ifugao: A 16-year-old youngster asked her 12-year-old brother to load her cellphone during their stay in Lagawe. She gave him Php 100 for it and said: “Go to the loading place and I need to call mother in Tinoc.” He came back empty handed. She blurted out: “Where’s my load? You’re out there for two hours. What happened?” He replied: “There was no van.” She asked: “What’s the connection between the van and my load? Where have you been?” He answered: “I went to the street and saw the sign ‘Loading in Tinoc,’ but there was no van.”
-o0o-
For our food delight corner: Fried chicken and embutido, step aside. Add major zing to the meal at lunch time. Dish out lechon paksiw, adobong kangkong, rellenong pusit (squid), macaroni elbow soup (with ham, carrots and onions) and rice. I like to cook my rice with a few sautéed onions. Be creative! It helps you think better and be better. So stuff yourselves with filling food. For appetizers and dessert: Avocado, vanilla cake and chilled guyabano juice. Yummy! Pray for the blessings at the table.
-o0o-
Finally, some thoughts for our readers: “One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord.” Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14 and Acts 5: 34.42
“His mother kept all these things in her heart.” Luke 2:51
“A revolution is not a bed of roses. A revolution is a struggle between the future and the past.” The late Cuban President Fidel Castro.**