By Anthony A. Araos
It is no longer easy to dismiss the Ifugao State University (IFSU)- Nayon campus as a site for local and foreign visitors to see in this part of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
Located at barangay Nayon of Lamut town, the IFSU’s sprawling campus is a major attraction in the so-called “education tourism” sites in northern Luzon.
I have visited it about three times and see no reason why I should not be back a couple of times more. It is just amazing to see the young’s preparations here for a better future. Various courses are offered by this government-operated learning institution. It is so interesting to see them attending their classes in a far-away, rural setting unaffected by the hassle and bustle as well as noises of the metropolis.
This is exactly what the IFSU-Nayon campus has to offer. Vegetable gardens and the gymnasium (constructed through the assistance of former Ifugao Representative Solomon Chungalao) are just some of the must-see spots of IFSU Nayon.
Going to IFSU Nayon is not difficult. It is ten to fifteen minutes-drive from barangay Poblacion area to reach it.
Those who missed the IFSU-Nayon campus on his or her way to either Lagawe or Banaue (or even Hingyon, Hungduan or Bontoc in Mtn. Province), this time around, please drop by this place. Learn more about and learn more about this fast-emerging institution with other campuses in the province.
And during your stay, take time to dine at the nearby eateries and be able to contribute to the local economy at the same time.
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Relatedly, may I stress the need for Governor Pedro Mayam-o and Vice Governor Jose Jordan Gullitiw to initiate innovative programs in support of the goal of attracting young ones (college students to be more precise) to visit IFSU-Nayon as well as its other campuses.
For a start, may I propose that a schools exchange program be forged with the University of the Philippines-Baguio. Ultimately, this program shall strengthen mutual understanding between the University of the Philippines- the nation’s premier institution, and the Ifugao State University through their respective youths. Other state universities as well as privately-owned universities in the CAR are likely to follow.
I am most willing and ready to extend a helping hand for the fruition of this noteworthy endeavor.
-o0o-
Throughout the years, the illegal use of drugs has been a major problem in the Philippines.
Finally, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has taken stern measures to curb the mounting incidents of drug abuse in both urban and rural areas. All thanks, to the firm and non-compromising position of President Rodrigo Duterte.
In 2012, according to the United Nations, the Philippines had the highest rate of metamphetamine or “shabu” use in East Asia.
It is a known fact that local officials and law enforcement authorities during the Aquino administration had done nothing to stop drug trafficking in the country. Even President Duterte pointed out recently that a number of high ranking PNP officers and several mayors are protecting the illegal trade of drugs.
Here come criticisms of President Duterte’s tough approach on drug lords, pushers and users. Oh comm’on. Please stop saying those silly remarks!
A number of these dreaded drug lords, pushers and users were gunned down because they either resisted arrest or fought back authorities. The use of violence is allowable by law in as much as the lives of police officers effecting the arrest would be in danger. What’s wrong with that?
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Despite the fact that Board Member Robert Humiwat’s failure to snare the chairmanship of the much-coveted Committee on Education and Public Information at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Ifugao (a position retained by Board Member James Frederick Dulnuan of Banaue), he is up to the task of promoting the welfare of the province’s teachers.
Instead, Board Member Humiwat got the chairmanship of the all-important Committee on Appropriations and Budget.
I am commending Board Member Humiwat for his steadfast commitment to safeguard their rights at all times. But it simply doesn’t stop there. His genuine concern for the education sector likewise extends to the needs of the pupils and students in Ifugao’s public elementary and high schools. Knowledgeable of the mechanisms of the just-implemented K-12 program, Board Member Humiwat spoke out his views clearly and pointedly to the fact that the Philippines is not ready for the said program. All told, we shared the opinion that the additional two years of education spelled out in the K-12 program- particularly, covered by the senior high school level, is a big burden for parents to shoulder.
It was rather a short conversation at his office at the provincial capitol building. But, surely it was very heartening, enlightening and meaningful.
Board Member Humiwat is not a teacher. He is an electrical engineer by profession. The lesson is quite clear: One need not be a teacher to understand and appreciate the problems plaguing the province’s public school system, and subsequently address these problems.
It is good that there is a vanguard of the teachers who shall protect and advance their interest at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. I’m extremely glad that he is around, ever-active to defend them and take the cudgels of being at the forefront in ensuring that the officialdom is at hand to respond to their needs.
The nation’s mentors are faced with so many problems such as low wages and poor or antiquated facilities. The awareness and desire for better conditions of these overworked but underpaid teachers is already strong and well-pronounced, as expressed by President Duterte and Education Secretary Leonora Briones. What is really needed is to improve on the level of commitment and action of officials who are presently calling the shots at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Sangguniang Panlungsod, Sangguniang Bayan and even the Sangguniang Barangay. Indeed, there are so many areas for them to work on but the top priority is for upgrading their conditions as a way of coping up with the high cost of living.
Board Member Humiwat is firm in his decision to actively improve the well-being of teachers. Others should take heed- even if they’re not the committee on education and public information. Hats off to Board Member Robert Humiwat of Lamut. God bless and Mabuhay! to be continued next week
