Take a trip back in time in a Mayoyao trip

By Anthony A. Araos

There is always a good reason why tourists are attracted to historical sites. This is true in the United States, France, Germany, the Russian Federation, China, Japan, South Korea and many other countries.
Mention has been made that a visit to a historical trip, for instance, in Corregidor Island is a trip down memory lane.
Precisely, this is the mindset of top officials of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in aggressively promoting various landmarks in the Philippines. The strategy is producing positive results. Local and foreign tourists are visiting these sites in significant numbers.
Why not do the same in the scenic town of Mayoyao in Ifugao? Surely, the town has no shortage of these historical sites.
If only Mayor Jimmy Padchanan is going to tap the best and brightest in the private sector to help him boost the tourism industry in Mayoyao then the municipal government shall realize its goal of catching up with its neighboring town of Banaue in attracting these visitors. Perhaps, it is time to offer tourists package tours for them to gain a better perspective of the town’s history. It should be one of the best foundations for invigorating Mayoyao’s tourism industry. It is high time for Mayoyao to aim to be a leader in the tourism industry by providing a rare opportunity for travelers to visit the actual sites where the late General Tomoyuki Yamashita of the dreaded Japanese Imperial Army and his men made their stand during the closing episode of World War II in the Pacific arena. I am referring, of course, to Mount Nagchajan (pronounced “nagchayan”). Thus, Mount Nagchajan (1,455 meters) is a historical destination of Mayoyao. Earlier, I wrote something about it (“Chaya Rice Terraces in Mayoyao on track in boosting tourism,” ZigZag Weekly, July 8, 2018) in this column. I drew positive responses. And what a pleasure it was to educate a number of readers in the region.
The bloody skirmishes between combatants at Mount Nagchajan had, evidently, at least one positive result—it persuaded General Yamashita, also known as the “Tiger of Malaya,” to surrender later in Kiangan, Ifugao.
In a nutshell, it means the defeat of the Japanese troops at Mount Nagchajan brought forth Yamashita’s surrender on September 2, 1945 at a site in Kiangan Central School and it is an important part of Philippine history. It will most definitely serve as an inspiration to the Filipino people. Bottom line: the guerilla movement had an impact in the war to liberate the country during the Occupation period.
Through “education tourism,” the next decade can be an era of change for a better and peaceful world and a better way of life. A historical background of the differences between the Allied and Axis powers during the last global conflict is essential to handle and discuss such vital concerns as human resources and environmental protection which every human being would want to know.
I’m praying that the foregoing commentary sparks renewed interest to advance the cause of promoting Mayoyao as a historical destination.
There is always immeasurable excitement and tremendous joy when foreigners respond affirmatively to the rare opportunity for them to share the memories, stories and experiences of the gallantry of Filipino guerillas that fought the Japanese invaders. Researchers and students from all levels are also welcome to visit these historical places. Frankly, I have considerable interest to look into the fact if Mayoyao itself suffered severe damages during the war. If Mayoyao suffered heavy damage, how was the rebuilding done? Are there historical photographs of the battle sites other than a marker at Mount Nagchajan? There is a need for collaboration among researchers, journalists, government agencies, NGOs and communities, which share common aspirations, to large-scale goals. It is time to go beyond the said photograph so people would understand the citizenry’s wartime hardships. Well, I’m not saying that is wrong, but it is not enough!
Endeavoring to preserve and promote historical heritage in Ifugao, a few learned folks here should not take lightly the significance of historical accounts of the war veterans. Make no mistake about it that there is also a need to support efforts to preserve tangible and intangible historical heritage that can become invaluable tourism resources, one of the possible sectors to lead the economy in Mayoyao.
Create even bigger memories of the past when you interact with the folks in Mayoyao as well as municipal government officials, barangay council and Sangguniang Kabataan officials. Dropping by the Office of the Mayor is an excellent idea. This early, Mayor Padchanan is doing his best to upgrade the town’s tourism industry. I’m sure he’ll make the tourist’s experience in Mayoyao the very best it can be. For Mayor Padchanan wants that comfort of a tourist really matters.
In the rapid thrust of change, Mayoyao truly needs Mayor Padchanan to take charge at this point of time. And I might add, with his genuine and lifelong commitment to serve the people, Mayor Padchanan is in a position to elevate the town’s tourism industry to greater heights.
Undoubtedly, Mayor Padchanan is more than ever determined to further the town’s growth and build on the legacy of the tourism sector as a generator of jobs and revenues as an effective program.
Implementation of innovative changes and strategies in Mayoyao’s tourism industry largely hinges directly on the actions taken by the various levels of bureaucracy, principally the Office of the Mayor, Office of the Vice Mayor and the Sangguniang Bayan. I hope the members of the municipal council fully support the program and initiatives of Mayor Padchanan. Further, I hope that the Sangguniang Bayan will be one of the partners for change as it enacts measures that aim to improve the quality of life of Mayoyao residents and push the town towards progress and development.
Whether you’re a tourist from Erfurt City in Germany or just a college student from Cebu City, visiting Mayoyao’s historical sites is an education on what took place there in the struggle for freedom and democracy.
Choose a good, sunny day next month to visit Mayoyao because you will certainly want to see these historical sites and take photographs at each turn.
When in Mayoyao, check out Mount Nagchajan and other historical sites, the public market, the municipal hall and the striking views of rice terraces and waterfalls. In other words, Mayoyao is a great place to learn, sightsee and relax.
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Fact: The Duterte administration’s medium-term strategy for economic growth is largely anchored on its ambitious Php 3 trillion “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure development program. It has to be explained to some Cordillera fellows who are still clinging to the belief of gaining autonomous status for the region. Don’t get me wrong, I’m just being realistic to the fact that the chance for passage of an autonomy bill in Congress is nil to none at all. For one, it is not a priority of President Duterte. With three years before he leaves office, President Duterte is simply out there to fulfill his remaining campaign promises in 2016. His campaign platform primarily centered on shift to federalism; drive against illegal drugs, criminality and corruption. He even lost in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), where Senator Grace Poe emerged the biggest vote-getter. The administration is also focused on rebuilding Marawi City and the newly-created Bangsa Moro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
CAR’s needs are getting bigger and the pie is getting smaller. So, why not get the region’s fair share of the Build, Build, Build program from the Palace? Funds for roads, bridges, irrigation systems and even an airport are badly needed. Lessons have been learned and will hopefully continue to be learned that Ifugao should not be excluded in this program. It is disheartening to note that Ifugao Rep. Solomon Chungalao was conspicuously not around during the recent Unity Gong Relay Program in Lagawe. Someone forgot to invite Rep. Chungalao, the guy who shall push for a House Bill on the Cordillera autonomy. I wish at the outset to draw a sharp line between acts of beating the gong all day long and refiling the autonomy House bill for a minute or so, and which I now understand why some individuals are into these festive and very costly activities for so many years and yet are still having difficulties in looking for long-lasting solution to the longstanding problem of underdevelopment in the region. Hey guys, level up! Accept things are changing, go back to the drawing board and come up with better plans because without them President Duterte will not take notice and listen. Advocates need to think and rethink why Baguio voters are saying that a Yes vote for autonomy shall put the city’s resources at great risk. And please don’t serve coffee and “suman” (rice cake), under the scorching heat of the sun at 3 p.m., when Mountain Province Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan Jr. and some foreigners were in attendance. Haven’t it crossed your mind to at least serve cold bottled water and sandwich to dignitaries, guests and participants? It’s a matter of hospitality and common sense! Give importance to the annual activity.
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The strong leadership of Vice Governor Glenn Prudenciano, who oversaw the rise of Alfonso Lista town during his incumbency as mayor for three terms, is an admirable trait and good sign for the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) in the days to come. About this time, I see him at the forefront of championing economic and social reforms for members of the marginalized sectors, which is long overdue, so that they could better serve the province.
It has been said time and again that in an impoverished province like Ifugao, the vision of alleviating poverty in the province’s 11 towns is a compelling tool for striving and inspiring a well-meaning leader to work harder for the common good.
Economic and social reforms are part of a huge legislative package designed to battle societal ills that burdened Ifugao folks for so many years. Many are jobless. Well, this is an “open secret.” In the morning of July 16, a Tuesday, I saw very long line of job applicants outside the Office of the Governor. On the same day and at around the same time, there was a long line at the Landbank Lagawe branch ATM machine involving 4Ps beneficiaries. Well, queuing is a pastime in Ifugao! The folks here don’t keep each other’s secrets that the pronouncement of economic growth is just a myth.
Soon, under an environment more conducive to legislative work pushed by Vice Governor Prudenciano as the legislative body’s presiding officer, that should change.
For now, Vice Governor Prudenciano should put forward a legislative agenda to his colleagues at the SP so they could study it.
Indeed, there is a pressing need to see the legislative agenda of the Dalipog administration. It should be clear to the 11 members of the SP so they could see how their own priorities fit with the priority program of Governor Jerry Dalipog. It is as simple as that. The main idea is for the executive and legislative wings of the provincial government to work on the same page. If Governor Dalipog is to deliver on his promise to provide a better future for the people, the board members should extend full and prompt support at all times. It is extremely important for Governor Dalipog to have the right partners to accelerate the programs of the provincial government. “Strong collaboration” is a catchword in the legislative jargon to avert gridlocks. Right now, I feel strongly to urge the governor, vice governor and board members to unite and act on the need to modernize Ifugao’s agriculture sector to make a dent in the poverty alleviation program.
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Perhaps, a decade or so from now the present SP will be judged on how it shall respond in the event of a dengue or chikungunya outbreak in Ifugao. God forbids, it happen, just how the SP is ready to respond is a matter of utmost importance to the people. Does the response include measures to mitigate the adverse effects of these diseases on the people?
So, I asked a staff member of board member on the status of the SP’s work to contain these diseases. “I don’t know sir. I don’t even know what chikungunya is all about,” she replied in all honesty. Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne disease that resembles dengue. Given the huge cost of treating patients afflicted with dengue or chikungunya, laws must be enacted, implemented and monitored with these in mind. Thus, the SP has a tremendous responsibility and challenge ahead of it. This calls for enhancement of partnership and networking with a number of health agencies and even nongovernment organizations (NGOs).
It may be a bit too early to tell since the SP has just reconstituted itself into a freshly-minted body with five new members. Henceforth, the SP should look into crafting legislation as a remedial measure for the spread of these diseases. Since it’s the Provincial Board that is pursuing such action, it should be viewed and approached as a public health issue.
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There is wisdom in enjoying snack time fares of HearteaDon’s Milktea Shop in Lagawe. It is situated at Barangay Poblacion East. The freshness of ingredients of its milk-flavors infuses great excitement to customers. Crowd pleasers include banana, mango and Double Dutch flavors. To ensure that the shop stays much longer around, the owner should introduce a one-day free tasting demonstration of its splendid treats.
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Unlimited odd thoughts unloaded: Presently, many are one in thinking oddly of life’s concerns. Here’s a case in point: A Christian should have only one wife. This is called monotony.
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Finally, some thoughts for our readers: “Imperfection is beauty.” Marilyn Monroe
“What is impossible for human beings is possible for God.” Jesus Christ**