By Anthony A. Araos
Christmas season remains the best time for Filipinos and other nationalities to go shopping for gifts to be shared with the family, loved ones or friends.
For a province hardly known for holding trade fairs at the end of the year, the Christmas Bazaar of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Ifugao Chapter (PCCI-Ifugao Chapter) is indeed a welcome development in this part of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
I am always attracted by a Christmas Bazaar. It keeps me sane. There are several items to choose from at the bazaar. Be wise when buying these items. Displayed items are supposed to be on sale. This is the time of the year you are both the buyer and seller. You buy a China-made umbrella at a bargain price. You sell a smile, goodwill and an idea to the booth owner. Who knows you’ll end up a partner of his or her business.
Truth to tell, PCCI-Ifugao Chapter officers and members are seasoned businessmen. Most of them are based in the capital town of Lagawe. They are expected to exhibit their produce and wares.
The week-long bazaar will involve those who chose to take the PCCI philosophy to showcase their role and significance in the business sector.
There will booths for them that will feature their own food, commercial and agricultural products for display and for sale to the public.
Top buys include woodcarving items as well as food stuff such as “tinawon” rice, taro chips and banana chips.
Like many things promised last year, one made by your self is set to be broken.
If you ask me, I am not buying anything for myself. Oh common! Go get something for your health at the Christmas Bazaar. Give yourself a break in terms of good nutrition for the coming year. Maybe, not much was done on this matter and so it is time to buy vitamins. Keep in perfect shape and this once-in-a-lifetime Christmas Bazaar in Lagawe is the closest one can get into a shopping mall.
With the management of the Christmas Bazaar in the hands of tried and tested businessmen, patrons are seen to be no longer bank on the municipal or provincial government as organizers of a trade fair of this magnitude.
It’s unique character and timelines, coupled with the friendliness and courteousness of PCCI-Ifugao Chapter men and women, make the Christmas Bazaar one of the most ideal places to visit this festive season.
For a couple of days only, this fourth-class municipality shall experience something different for visitors and residents alike get to see a more vibrant economic activity.
Don’t miss the opportunity during this fun-filled activity to meet PCCI-Ifugao Chapter officers- led by President Godfrey Dominong, who is also the general manager of the Ifugao Global Entrepreneurs Multi-Purpose Cooperative (IGEMCO).
There are surely many bright ideas to do this yuletide season. One of such idea is visiting this Christmas Bazaar at the Lagawe Central School. What are you waiting for?
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Travel is an essential component of business. One of the best times to travel is in December because of the long holiday vacation. You might have a great deal of meeting new acquaintances or friends. The more people you know the more likely you are also to run into someone you knew. In other words, you see an old acquaintance.
This is why eco-tourism adventure is infinitely exciting. Many people still believe that the only place to visit in Ifugao is the rice terraces in Banaue. What do you think?
Well, try discovering the province’s lush forests in Asipulo or Hungduan and breathtaking waterfalls in so many towns. Trek to a mountain in Hingyon or Mayoyaois another excellent idea.
In a way, I wish people would take a moment and think- eco-tourism adventure is most helpful in promoting the understanding of the importance of a protected natural environment.
I offer these great ideas in making the most of your precious travel time, whether in the first or second district of Ifugao. These are definitely good recommendations from this column that open new worlds to our countless readers.
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Influx of tourists to Baguio City and Sagada (in Mountain Province) is already noticeable. Sadly, not in Ifugao! It’s high time someone in the provincial government started waking up and listening to the voice of reason and the needs of the ailing tourism industry. Like discarding the antiquated tourism program dotted with ridiculous and stupid mechanisms. Overhaul everything. The tourism industry can’t grow and now, it’s tempting to ponder the prospect of a colossal collapse of a once booming and promising industry. What to do next? Be creative, not insensitive!
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With December 25 revelry just around the corner, I’m extending my Christmas greetings to Punong Barangay Norma Abuan of Poblacion North, Christopher Pagadut of Poblacion South, Alfonso Dominong of Poblacion East and Ryan Tumapang of Poblacion West.
Of course, the same greetings extend to all their barangay council officials. Lagawe is lucky to have officials like them!
It is my fervent prayer for their good health and continuing success. Likewise, I am hoping that you shall endeavor to increase the budget for your barangays.
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I’m also extending the same to Board Member Victor Bunnol Jr. of Lamut. His contributions to the province are numerous and enormous. He is the chairman of the committee in health and sanitation.
It is hoped and prayed that Board Member shall lead the effort of providing free healthcare for indigent residents, most especially in remote villages.
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Congratulations to Asipulo, Banaue and Lamut towns (all in Ifugao province) for passing the 2017 Seal of Good Local Governance.
Out of 1,671 local government units assessed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), only 448 of them passed the criteria. For short, the passing mark is only 26.8%.
Asipulo, Banaue and Lamut are headed by Mayors Armando Domilod, Jerry Dalipog and Mariano Buyagawan Jr., respectively.
What are the tests of good local governance? The parameters include financial administration, disaster preparedness, social protection and peace and order, as well as any of the vital areas on business friendliness and competitiveness, environmental management and tourism, culture and the arts.
Out of 81 provinces, only 29 (or 35.8%) made it to the provincial government list. Oops, no Ifugao! It missed the boat! By contrast, Kalinga and Mountain Province made it to the said list. Why? What are the excuses and alibis this time?
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2017 is a banner year for Banaue. The municipal government’s programs, projects and activities have been milestones in their own right.
The town’s recent acclamation as a recipient of the prestigious Seal of Good Local Governance for 2017 attests the strategic importance of a tried and tested local chief executive who is not hesitating to exercise his political will to get things done for the betterment of the people.
The award is truly relevant not only as a valuable tool for further growth and development (since it is entitled to the Performance Challenge Fund for development projects ranging from Php 2 million to Php 3 million) in improving the people’s lives but, is reflective as well of a collective effort to contribute to nation-building. This easily provides indispensable insight of the strong partnership of the public and private sectors in Banaue.
Again, Congratulations to Mayor Jerry Dalipog and other municipal government officials!
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Only in the Philippines: Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary for Railways Cesar Chavez resigned recently following the mess at the operations of the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3). He resigned “out of delicadeza.” Unlike many others, Chavez said he was not blaming the previous administration. Well, there are about only a few oficials who still know the meaning of “delicadeza.”
Relatedly, the DOTr filed a plunder case against former interior secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II in relation to the allegedly anomalous maintenance contract for the MRT-3. Roxas, also the former the then DOTC and ex-Senator, called the complaint “pathetic.” Are they not aware that Mr. Roxas is one of the richest Filipinos? Maybe, they should drop by the Araneta Center Complex in Cubao, Quezon City. It is owned by the Roxas family. Plunder?, oh common! Now, I’m no longer turning a deaf ear to House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez who said: “Everyone is entitled to his stupidity!”
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For our food delights corner: Cooked to perfection, it is time for roast pork loin barbecue in tartar sauce, yang chow fried rice, fried chicken and cream of mushroom soup.
For desserts: leche flan, chocolate cake, bananas and chilled apple juice.
This time around for your Cold Hors D’oeuvres since it is already Christmas season why an open sandwich of salami, chicken and pork medallion with pickles. This is great for such a heavy meal for your family, loved ones and friends. Pray, smile and eat well, it’s all part of enjoying this wonderful dining experience right at the comforts of your home.
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Finally, some thoughts for our readers: “The Almighty has done great things for me.” Luke 1:49**
