By Anthony A. Araos
Learning about the number of migratory birds at a sanctuary in Alfonso Lista is a never-ending source of joy and thrill for me and many others, and I love that one such activity billed as “Asian Water Bird Watch Survey” don’t dumb down the fascinating stories of these birds.
It is certainly amazing , to say the least, the relentless pace of telling and retelling the story of even just one bird is even more important than the aggregate total of birds in the area. Anyhow, whether the survey ended up with 1,000 or 3,000 birds- Thanks Lord, for sending the birds to Alfonso Lista!
So how about doing a survey on the poor folks, school dropouts and jobless residents of Alfonso Lista? Each impoverished individual has a story to tell, to retell and relate it to the poverty incidence problem. Now, let’s look into the statistics on poverty index, near-poverty level or those self-rated poor. What a pity out here foreign birds are being fed and accounted for instead of locals who are experiencing hunger.
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A New Year’s activity at Alfonso Lista reportedly was initiated and participated by Councilor Virginia Dinagtuan involving the conduct of a mass at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP). Inmates were given gifts. The project is commendable since the purpose of the activity is most helpful to concerned parties. The prisoners, especially the young, may be able to rebuild lives of dignity.
The mass, which highlighted the activity, enriches the inmates’ oneness with God.
Could it be that one of the most important activities in the history of Ifugao- at a very small place at that of Alfonso Lista’s BJMP facility is a “novelty”? Surely, how the “activity” came about is a story that needs to be told. A story made possible by Councilor Dinagtuan, a tireless leader of this farming town.
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On January 25, Chinese New Year’s greetings to all! There is so much Chinese influence in the Philippines, albeit the West Philippine Sea controversy. Whether you like it or not, January 25 is Chinese New Year and it falls on a Saturday.
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There’s always a lot to learn if and when roads are properly constructed or improved. Take the case of the Zamora-San Quintin-Bangar Road in Alfonso Lista town in Ifugao. It was completed in 2017.
Located in a strategic portion of the town, this road offers the unique gift of proximity as it is physically connected to a nearby Isabela town thus, enabling Alfonso Lista folks easy access to Isabela, the largest rice-producing province of the country.
Specifically, Barangay Bangar will be in close proximity to the other villages of the town.
A good road network is essential to keep attracting more tourists and foreign investors alike. Local and foreign travelers as well as Filipino and foreign businessmen are instrumental in advancing the town’s economy.
The Zamora-San Quintin-Bangar Road is a standout because it is well-paved.
For Alfonso Lista’s tourism industry to attain its goal of drawing more visitors in 2020 and beyond, the municipal government should prioritize the improvement and construction of roads in as much as roads are vital in providing tourists the quickest way to reach spectacular views of the town.
Connecting the rural areas such as this one would not only boost local economy, it would also hasten the delivery of services to the residents.
The Zamora-San Quintin-Bangar Road is not only helping people have an easy and fast transport, but also help their economy to be the center of trade in this part of the town. Travel time is cut shorter significantly.
The long-term economic growth of Alfonso Lista is truly dependent on whether or not Mayor Edralin Alipio can address the issue of modernizing the town’s road network. The project includes construction and rehabilitation or improvement of roads, slope protection, drainage structures and the installation of road safety measures.
Investors put in money for a business if the roads leading to their company are passable. This is consistent with one of the recommendations of any economist for a third-class municipality as Alfonso Lista.
This is one consideration which makes it triply important to create an environment that is conducive to business growth and development. Everything else is interrelated: infrastructure, tourism, business competitiveness, poverty reduction and rural development.
Massive road building program is a strategic agenda to promote Alfonso Lista as an investment destination of choice and generate the much-needed development for its residents. Having 100% all-weather roads at Alfonso Lista’s 20 barangays (villages), takes quite a while to plan. It should start now!
In the interest of propelling economic growth and development, Mayor Alipio should push forward this agenda with the Sangguniang Bayan and the private sector and be appropriately guided by such indicators as economic dynamism and public services, among others.
The current administration is in a position just to do that and moving the municipal government toward such direction is meant to meet the challenge. At this point of time it’s worth considering!
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By this time, most will be worn out. Societal attention will move to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA); and once again they’ll have to transition ways to earn more money and for the government to mobilize the masses to make sense for the things that really matter. That’s life.
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The so-called “Anti-Street Obstruction Ordinance” of Lagawe disappoints many right-thinking individuals on how to promote the “common good.”
A provision cites: “All items, goods and structures found along the roads, streets, avenues, alleys, sidewalks, bridges, parks and other public places will be confiscated by the Municipal Anti-criminality and General Services (MAGs) even without prior notice and treated as common garbage.” (underscoring mine).
It is a common knowledge that ambulant vendors are selling vegetables and other wares at various sidewalks of the town. Once the vendor is confronted by the MAGs personnel, the produce or items are well and truly are in the “possession” the MAGs. This might very well be “treated” as common garbage. The logic seems ridiculous. What is to stop them from subsequently throwing “confiscated” veggies, fruits or fish in the garbage bin?
The ordinance is clearly anti-poor. It not only make poor folks poorer, it will also stall development where it is needed most. These poor folks also need to make a living. Otherwise, they’ll do some unthinkable things. They’ll resort to stealing, theft or robbery. Powers-that-be in the capital town should be reminded that there’s such things to practice as compassion and restraint. Don’t ever forget that poverty incidence is still high in Lagawe, There is an urgent need to think of the greatest good for the greatest number of people. This is an acknowledgement of basic human dignity for each one and a commitment to work toward and promote conditions in society that encourage the development of each person’s human potential. Simply told, promotion of the common good protects the ultimate good of the individual.
A query, therefore, that begs an answer is: Why does this ordinance’s provision run counter to the goal to reduce poverty and doesn’t promote inclusive growth? All of these foregoing matters relate to the people’s choices in the last elections. This instance may be exactly what Lagawe voters need to remember in 2022. Did the electorate make the wrong decision in not putting fiscalizers at the Sangguniang Bayan? Yes!
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Answer to the last column’s trivia at Brainy Tidbits: Flood lights
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For our food delights corner: It’s time to have red beans with rice soup. Cook it the Mexican or the American way. For dessert, chocolate cake, melon and chilled lychee juice. Don’t forget to pray for more blessings.
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Finally, here are some thoughts for our dear readers: “Your faith has saved you.” Matthew 9:22
“Choose a job your love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Confucius
“Insanity is doing something over and over again and expecting different results,” Albert Einstein
“God saves us by making himself little, near and real.” Pope Francis
“What are we in power for?” Former Senate President Jose Avelino **
