By Anthony A. Araos

Good, old and well-designed Don Bosco High School has been just that- good, old but well-designed; and while learning institutions nowadays are overwhelmed by the pangs of commercialization, not Don Bosco High School.
With some guys openly leading the call for the promotion of “education tourism” in the Philippines, I’m strongly inclined to say that Don Bosco High School is indeed a very good place to understand and appreciate the essence of this kind of tourism.
To begin with, let me cite the fact that this Catholic Church-operated institution is situated at Barangay Poblacion South in Lagawe, Ifugao. In short, it is centrally located in the town proper.
Don Bosco High School is one of the largest schools in the private sector of this upland Cordillera province.
I have been in the school for so many times. I have attended several important programs there. Particularly, intramural games and graduation programs take place here. I even spoke before a number of fourth year students a few years back.
A major Lagawe-based cooperative is holding its general assembly program each year at the sprawling school grounds.
The school facilities are plenty and highly functional. Notable are the library and faculty rooms. Classrooms are quite spacious. The canteen provides the needs of the students.
A few years back, new comfort rooms were added to its facilities- a welcome development for the ever-increasing populace of young learners.
It is projected that in a couple of years from now, a new state-of-the-art auditorium shall replace the present one. Currently, students and teachers have to make do with an extremely old, creepy one.
This transformation ushers for Don Bosco High School a new direction and new identity.
This is certainly very good news for all of those who really care in the private sector in boosting the province’s sliding tourism industry.
Don Bosco High School can upgrade the industry’s earnings. School top brass officials can see new dimensions and applications for something the school already has, because they’re in a versatile frame of focus.
I supposed many other school officials (from principals to head teachers) should know when it’s time to reboot and retool dilapidated and antiquated facilities for the good of the tourism industry, economy and the people.
Take a realistic look for there is such a thing as “education tourism.” In my short list for Ifugao, there is the Don Bosco High School, whose principal is Daniel Bagista, a strong and dedicated educator I befriended several years back. It put me at ease.
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A very close friend of mine asked me to write a “fabulous” news story about the Gotad ad Ifugao program. Of course, it is not a problem at all.
Interestingly, the Gotad ad Ifugao program from June 11 to 19 easily comes close to the commemoration of the June 12 Independence Day celebration.
I am wondering why the people in Lagawe (elsewhere) are giving less importance to the June 12 Independence Day celebration compared to the Gotad ad Ifugao. Here’s why? I asked this friend of mine which is more important for them to celebrate, the June 12 Independence day or the Gotad? She answered without blinking an eye, “of course, it’s Gotad, it’s Ifugao day!”
I simply countered: “Without the June 12 Independence day and with foreign masters around, there can be no Gotad ad Ifugao celebration at all. Am I right? “ She said yes.
In applying for a passport, there is an item to be filled out as follows: “Citizenship.” So what do you write? Filipino! and not Ifugao.
The provincial government should bestir and look to the national government as an example of purposeful action vis-à-vis promoting love of country and flag.
If other provincial governments can do it, why can’t the Ifugao provincial government?
I think it is also high time for the Department of Education (DepEd) officials in Ifugao to address the problem on misplaced beliefs and attitudes as this one. I am praying hard and very hard that a new mindset will dawn upon the young in this part of the country.
I don’t think I have much appetite to write something about the Gotad ad Ifugao. Much less a fabulous one.
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To assuage the guilt of most Filipinos who kept quite during the martial law era of deposed strongman Ferdinand Marcos, Ifugao Provincial Administrator Albert Pawingi recounted his experiences as a human rights lawyer during this darkest period of Philippine history.
“Five of my colleagues in the law profession were killed and I was the only one who survived. So I had to escape and hide,” he said.
Pawingi, a former governor from Hingyon town, also gave sordid details of the horrors of martial law during the Marcos dictatorial regime.
Atty. Pawingi spoke up loudly against the excesses of one-man rule. When it was not fashionable, when in fact, it was extremely dangerous to do so, he had done so much to the cause of restoring freedom, justice and democracy. This is one footnote of history largely untold or unspoken in Ifugao’s history. I salute his courage and fortitude.
After drawing flak for criticizing “human rights lawyers” and “political activists” in the just-concluded “Human Rights Workshop” at the Session Hall of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in Lagawe, Pawingi explained that inclusive economic growth and development is simply impossible without observance, adherence, promotion and protection of human rights.
By the way, the well-attended two-day workshop was sponsored by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).
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For my part, in regard to the said workshop (billed as “Capacity Building on Human Rights Action Center and Rule of Law” for Ifugao province, cluster 1″), I sent a communication to Commission on Human Rights Chairman Jose Luis Martin “Chito” Gascon last June 1, expressing valuable insights of the activity and special recognition of CHR personnel who delivered lectures.
My letter reads in part: “To my mind, the CHR is the most reputable agency in the country. As such, it is my hope and prayer that all sectors of society extend the full support and assistance to all the noteworthy undertakings of the commission.”
“Understanding that disseminating relevant information on human rights vis-à-vis pertinent laws passed in recent times, resource speakers in the persons of Atty. Lyndon T. Morales, Aloy F. Igopen, Information Officer III and Marlyn G. Palangdao, Training Specialist IV certainly hit the pitch in broadening the perspective to address issues on human rights. The aforementioned speakers have done a splendid job in cultivating a more inquisitive citizenry whose vigilance and enlightenment accelerate the journey towards justice and democracy.”
“I think this is a very important thing in raising the level of awareness and consciousness of the people on the vitality of human rights in these uncertain times.”
“In the Philippines, more progress in pushing the promotion of human rights is something the people should give high premium.”
At the workshop, I spoke for the need of increased budgetary allocation for the CHR. Believe it or not: it has a regional office in Baguio City with 17 employees to handle cases in six provinces and two cities. There are no provincial offices.
I also batted for the provision of hazard and subsistence pays for municipal social welfare and development officers who are tasked to assist the CHR fact-finding investigators. There is a grave danger facing them, most especially in far-flung barangays (villages).
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Congratulations to Engineers Damian Habawel and Alejandro Umlano Jr. for passing the recent Civil Engineering Board Exams. God bless and Mabuhay!
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For my food delights corner: This is a wonderful time to treat your family, loved ones or friends with a rare dinner meal of omelet with mushrooms, onions and cheese spiced with fried rice.
It’s totally perfect with adobong talong (eggplant) and my all-time favorite macaroni soup. And if you are up for a memorable social night, bring out a strawberry cake and chilled apple juice, pineapple juice or lemon lime soda.
Whatever is the choice, make the most of your hard-earned money without depleting your ATM account.
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Finally, some thoughts for our readers: “The enemy of peace isn’t only war, but also indifference. There are barriers, suspicions, fears and closures towards others.” Pope Francis, 8-year-old leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics.
“This sight will make your face radiant, your heart throbbing a hilt; the riches of the sea will be turned to you, the wealth of the nations will come to you. A multitude of camels will cover you.” Is 60:1-6