By Anthony A. Araos
Past 4 pm of a Saturday, “flea market” activity in Lagawe, the fish section (including the chicken and meat stalls) is empty. The vendors are nearly gone. It’s just another day for these hardworking folks. Just like on a typical Tuesday “flea market” day schedule in the capital town.
The smell, dirt and garbage are noticeable in most portions of the street, where the main office of the Ifugao Electric Cooperative (IFELCO) operates.
Lagawe’s “flea market,” the biggest of its kind in Ifugao bustles on four busy streets. Vegetables, fruits, dry goods and even poultry items are being sold. Produce are relatively priced low compared to other days. Vendors are from marginalized sectors, some covering from nearby towns of Kiangan and Hingyon.
The problems lies not much on them or on the quality of products they are offering to the public.
Stressful worries brought forth after the flea market operations is a concern worth attending to. Mind you, these are indeed stressful and annoying worries on the people’s lives.
Clean landscape offers good vibes and helps ensure a sustainable environment, a critical factor in maintaining healthy citizenry.
In response to the threats of dengue and other illnesses, I am therefore, forwarding a recommendation to Mayor Lesli Rey “Bambi” Nayahangan for the immediate conduct of a “flushing” activity at said locations.
This initiative is so important and may well serve as a springboard in keeping many other communities in the town safe and clean. I hope that this initiative will greatly help the town’s 20 villages. I believe that investing in the health program is investing in the future.
All told, the “flushing” activity is low-cost, practical and a doable project. Requirements include water supplied from a fire truck of the Bureau of Fire Protection, powder soap (possibly donated by IFELCO), broomsticks and brushes. There is certainly a yearning for protection from all these diseases. Participation of the municipal government’s so-called public order and safety unit, barangay officials and volunteers is not hard to imagine. Ensuring the “bayanihan spirit” then will be given attention. Folks- young and old alike, should remain rooted in the basic concept of the “bayanihan spirit”, which is to advance solidarity and community action.
Into the 2026, as I reflect on this year, and take time to acknowledge the accomplishments of Mayor Nayahangan, big or small. Today, Mayor Nayahangan is a force to be reckoned with in Ifugao, acknowledging that while he is a low-profile mood, I firmly urge him to stay at the right course- choose to flow with good governance. I’ll keep on updating the people on the mayor’s endeavors, characterized by valuable lessons and unforgettable takes that one wouldn’t have for anything on this planet.
There is an enormous responsibility to keep on staying clean, fit, healthy and resilient, for the best is yet to come. There is immense comfort and motivation in ensuring the continuing efforts of both the government and the private sector in promoting the health and well-being of Filipinos.
Relatedly, I’m bringing to the fore of public attention that at a recent gathering of Ifugao organic farmers in Lagawe, I was told by Opinia Attaban, that the request for vital equipment from the Department of Agriculture for the Balawis Rice Terraces Farmers Organization of Banaue was granted. I wrote the Agriculture Secretary a few years back on this matter. There are wonderful reasons for persevering in life. If you’re presented an opportunity to help, then do so- to make real tangible changes in the everyday lives of the people.**
