By Anthony A. Araos
People prayed. No tiredness could be seen in their prayers. Prayers were answered.
Despite its declaration of a state of calamity on Sept. 15, Mayoyao’s largely mountainous terrain was spared somewhat by the fury of super typhoon Ompong (international name: Mangkhut). So this is somehow a relief to the nearly 15,000 populace of this predominantly farming town.
The Almighty Creator indeed shielded the natural wonders of these imposing Mayoyao mountains during the typhoon.
As a result, the town’s mountains still retain their attraction for trekking and adventure activities. Conditions at the highest point of a Mayoyao mountain for viewing the town and even Banaue are still excellent.
What runs under the mountains? What runs under the wilderness? Could it have been an earthly calm, for a thickly forested land serving as shield. There is a need, to visit and see, in great detail, the splendors of these mountains. Small wonder, it is not hard to entice visitors to come to Mayoyao.
Mayoyao’s famed upland peaks figured prominently in the nation’s history. The dreaded Japanese Imperial Army forces fought hard here before the late General Tomoyuki Yamashita surrendered in Kiangan in 1945. Thus, it is only reasonable to promote Mayoyao as a historical destination. This move is expected to boost significantly tourist arrivals in the town.
To my mind, Mayoyao’s tourism goes beyond its rice terraces and waterfalls. I’m most willing to help invigorate its tourism industry by putting together a tour package that will highlight vital historical linkages to the past and its contributions to the liberation of the Philippines during World War II. It is surely high time to put up a historical tour of Mayoyao package.
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In the absence of a declaration of a state of calamity in Ifugao by the provincial government in the aftermath of typhoon Ompong, I sent a letter to President Duterte so that the objective of getting additional assistance from the Palace can be realistically achieved. Portions of this communication (received on Sept. 19) read as follow: “We already saw how difficult it was for Filipinos in the countryside to cope up with this kind of calamity. That is why I am now seeking your intercession for the provision of augmentation and assistance for disaster relief and rehabilitation of Mayoyao. The assistance of the Office of the President is indeed badly needed!”
“I have full trust in your workmanship and genuine desire to be of service to the agonizing people of Mayoyao. They have a high regard for the Office of the President thus, treating them with utmost attention and care.”
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Ifugao voters should keep pushing for more in terms of determining the rightly successor of Rep, Teddy Baguilat Jr. in next year’s midterm polls. I’d say, enough of mediocre and lousy candidates who are out to mess up the minds of the voters.
By this time, there should be heightened discussions on the qualifications and position taken by aspirants for congressman on key issues affecting the province and the country.
It is high time to see if they even know what the hell is gross domestic product (GDP) is all about. How important is the GDP in the life of an Ifugao voter? Nongovernment organizations (NGOs) and people’s organizations (POs) should evolve effective ways of educating Ifugao voters in order to have a truly “enlightened choice.” This is necessary if civil society groups (CSOs) are to play an important role in the tremendous task of nation-building.
A debate is seen as the most effective option to provide the electorate with the needed solid foundation to separate the men from the boys as the province hopes to benefit from this intellectual exercise. This exercise gives the voters the first inkling of multiple choices. In the 2019 polls, there are possibly seven contenders for the said position. Listen to their arguments and insights. And let lightning falls. How do the voters perceive them? If the tree is known by its fruit, considering the school as the cradle of social attitude critically involved in “enriching the democratic space,” where do the few well-meaning, concerned and educated Ifugao individuals, stand? The problem is that some of the so-called members of the “intelligentsia” group think small and afraid to make bold actions for a better tomorrow.
How prepared are the youth for a debate among former Governor Eugene Balitang, former Congressman Solomon Chungalao and Regional Department of Transportation (DOTr) director Timmy Mondiguing, for instance, on the issue regarding the controversial and still unattended, still unresolved Ifugao General Hospital in Lagawe?
If one of the goals of education is to teach the young to become useful and productive members of society, how effectively have these CSO leaders taught the young the philosophy of “intelligent voting”? Have they proven themselves worthy of being their exemplars?
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The full brunt of the monster called “Inaction” at the still unattended Ifugao General Hospital (IGH) in Lagawe is still upon the hapless folks of the province, most especially those in this capital town.
Last August 7, a Board Member asked me to withhold my commentary on the IGH, citing the information that the “retrofitting” works were to be done within the month of August. I obliged, saying: “OK, I’m willing to wait. You have 31 days to convince me on this matter that the provincial government is indeed doing something positive.” Well, another 30 days of September is nearly over. Nothing concrete took place! Many are worried about the “Inaction” on this concern.
Thousands of Ifugao folks, some as young as one year old, risk their lives by going to a far-away, congested, ill-equipped and undermanned Panopdopan hospital in barangay Bannit in Lamut in the absence of a functioning hospital in Lagawe, and the government has not done nothing to finally address this longstanding problem.
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Because of the difficulty in implementing key projects and programs in the village due to limited resources, the Poblacion West Barangay Council is simply resorting to austerity measures, innovation and prayers to make things work for the benefit of the people. They are coping up with various challenges by being creative and hardworking at all times.
Dedicated council officials are led by Punong Barangay Simplicia Dipia-o. Her kagawads (councilmen) include They are kagawads Marcial Bogbog, Adelina Dalingay, Paula Ballogan, Robert Guimbanyan, Caesar Tumapang, Wilfred Unghiyon and Ramon Dominong. Barangay secretary is Byreen Mae Anselmo. Barangay treasurer is Xyra Tayaban.
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Prices of rice in Ifugao and elsewhere in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) are already sky-high. I’m so worried about the increase in rice process because this affects other prices, especially because of the approaching holiday season. President Duterte should form a Task Force to monitor rice prices, especially in the countryside. He should avert increase in food prices, especially during the Christmas season.
I’m sending a communication to President Duterte replete with a practical solution to the problem called “National Food Authority” or NFA. Better still, call it Not Functioning Always!
President Duterte shall gather the top brass of the NFA (about 50 of them) and bring them to a public market in Manila. Let them join 3,000 or so residents who are lining up for NFA rice (pegged at Php 32 a kilo) under the scorching heat of the sun. Let them also buy two kilos of rice for their families. Let them experience the hardships of the masses. Let them taste the NFA rice themselves. For I’m sure, with their huge salaries, they are buying instead commercial rice varieties like Jasmine, California and Sinandomeng. The end result: their senses are likely to be jolted!
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Abinuan (in Lagawe), Tulludan (in Tinoc), Nattum (in Mayoyao) and Kinakin (in Banaue) have something in common. These are poor towns in Ifugao, itself one of the poorest provinces in the country.
The point being made here is that it is indeed interesting that aspirants in Ifugao in the 2019 midterm polls (who are seeking the position of Vice Governor, namely Board Members Victor Bunnol Jr. of Lamut and James Frederick Dulnuan of Banaue and Alfonso Lista Mayor Glenn Prudenciano) be quizzed on their platform on the issue of poverty incidence in the province vis-à-vis the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s legislative thrust to undercut it. As a legal norm, mounting cases of poverty in underserved villages are presumed subject to urgent legislative action. But why are there more poor people now if the Sangguniang Panlalawigan exists? It is then the purpose of my commentary to dissect the state of mind of the vice governor wannabes. So I’d loved to ask them what are their concrete plans in relation to the self-rated food poverty gap (SRFPG) burden of impoverished Ifugao folks? What are their intended programs for the poor?
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Traditional politicians or “trapos” and corrupt officials have impoverished rather enriched Ifugao. Maybe that lifetime miseducation of incredibly stupid voters have received and imbibed will corrode and allow enlightenment to take on and make them see the need for well-meaning, competent, intelligent and caring officials in a better light.
In 1970, there were probably only three contractors in Ifugao. Each contractor has one vote. By 2016, or 46 years later, there were probably 30 contractors in the province. Each contractor has still one vote. So I am not buying the contention that a contractor shall determine the winner of an electoral exercise.
What caused the difference in the results of the previous polls? Contractors contributed to the campaign coffers of these wayward politicians. That’s why there are massive vote-buying schemes. Do you want to continue with this practice? It is high time to put them into a corner so as not to subvert the true will of the people. Election races in Baguio City and Isabela in the past showed how to overcome this problem. This is how money politics and wise thinking are related. When it happens, just say you’re not one of the incredibly stupid voters of Ifugao.
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I’m not giving up yet on the issue regarding the pruning of leaves of 12 or more trees at the St. Mary Magdalene Church at Lagawe, Ifugao. There are two kinds of trees. There are fruit bearing trees and the other is for shades. Obviously, the ones I’m referring to are for shades. It’s an interesting gambit, by extinguishing its purpose to provide shade for the people (most especially parishioners and students of Don Bosco High School), the action also has affected the provision of cool and fresh air. All such ill-advised actions have but one unavoidable end, which is weakening the foundation of a tree, in other words, soil erosion. For short, the result is landslide. Let us be one in protecting the environment that can later on be a factor in disaster mitigation in disaster-prone Ifugao. I’m therefore praying for the enlightenment of church authorities on this heartbreaking environment development.
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I am lauding the philanthropic act of Ifugao Rep. Teodoro Baguilat Jr. and his staff for sending relief goods to the victims of typhoon Ompong in Itogon, Benguet. I saw some relief good boxes at the Ohayami Trans booking office in Lagawe. I also saw the following marking in these boxes: From Kiangan with . While it is true that Rep. Baguilat is from Kiangan town, there is no need whatsoever to indicate its source, even assuming it came all the way from Kiangan. My point is: the lone district of Ifugao the congressman is representing at the lower chamber of Congress is composed of 11 towns.
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Blooper in Ifugao: I saw the following signs at a door of a business establishment at a town in the first district. It says: “Closed” (Sarado) and “Open” (Tulak). It should have been “Bukas.” By the way, its business hours run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
I passed by at around 10 a.m. on a Sunday.
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A tip for success: Be relentlessly positive in pursuing major projects at school or office. It’s not unusual to be assigned a major project if you’re a genius to begin with. This talent was given to you by the high heavens and it is a sign of being truly blessed. Thus, discussions while preparing the project will be extremely lively because of your presence. Nonetheless, strive to obtain comprehensive data-driven insights with all others in the group.
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For our food delights: Let’s have fish with tausi, tofu and bean sprouts, preferably milk fish (Bangus). Top it up with chopsuey for veggies and braised pork chop for lunch. This must-try fish dish has a smoky flavor, as it is fried in a Chinese wok over very high heat. Plus, the all-important steamed rice. Having a sweetened lychee with gelatin for desert, sliced papaya and chilled buko (coconut) juice would be also be excellent as add ups! Have a perfect meal enlivened with music of Bruno Mars. Share your smiles of up to the last bite at the table. Above all, say a prayer for all these blessings.
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Finally, some thoughts for our readers: “Now, what should happen when you make a mistake. You take your knocks. You learn your lessons and then you move on. That’s the healthiest way to deal with a problem.” Late American president Ronald Reagan
“Love is patient and kind.” 1 Corinthians 13:4**
