By Anthony A. Araos
Employees at the Office of the President reportedly got a Christmas bonus of PhP 60,000 each this year.
In contrast, the job-ordered employees of the 11 board members and the vice governor in Ifugao got no Christmas bonus.
It is a pity that these hardworking but underpaid JOs of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan are getting a poor and shabby treatment from the provincial government.
Well and good that department heads and board members are receiving high salaries, 13th month pay and Christmas bonus. They even have many other benefits. Yet, the JOs are receiving meager wages. This is exacerbated by the high cost of living and negated by high inflation rate in December. Truth to tell, they are having a hard time making both ends meet.
Christmas season is not just for the rich and famous. The late President Ramon Magsaysay once said: “Those who have less in life, should have more in law.” But the problem is that many employees in this department are getting poorer and poorer each day of the week. They are afraid to speak up on this matter.
A Christmas tree is not just for the rich and famous. A Christmas tree is also for the poor and not famous. After all, baby Jesus Christ was born in a manger at Bethlehem, not at Makati Medical Center or Salubris Hospital in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya. In fact, his father’s occupation simply says it all: a carpenter.
I am strongly urging the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to move swiftly to fund the provision of a Christmas bonus for these Jos by next year.
These lowly-paid employees are also the children of God. They have no huge business interests to protect and advance at the SP. They are only working there to provide the basic needs of their families or loved ones. Be considerate of their needs. To do otherwise is unchristian. There is no room for excuses and alibis!
Providing them the aforementioned benefit is practical and doable. It’s going to be a tough act, but one that is badly needed. Life during the so-called joyous period of Christmas is a journey that allows legislators at the highest echelon of the provincial government to share blessings with the have-nots. For the first time in Ifugao’s long existence, the provincial government finds itself under the caring and compassionate stewardship of Governor Jerry Dalipog and Vice Governor Glenn Prudenciano. Extending the Christmas bonus benefit to a job-ordered employee in the long run shall ensure a better working environment. It is just a matter of exercising political will!
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Brainy tidbits: On December 25 or Christmas Day, make room for silence at home. Turn off the cellphone or laptop for a long time. Pray or meditate. Communicate with the Almighty Creator. Give God a chance to speak! Forget Twitter and Instagram. Unite yourselves in prayer to grow as Christians. Chat with the One above us all to give the purity of hearts which will attach you to God so that every thought, deed and word lead to his greater glory.
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Did you know? That colorful and well-crafted lanterns entered in town competitions throughout the Philippines are helpful in undercutting the mounting unemployment problem. Local officials, therefore, may also pin their hopes on these “award-winning” lanterns to boost the local economy.
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What’s new at Ohayami Trans? One, but not a lot for now it seems. Bus number 807 is a brand-new bus of Ohayami Trans. Built along a Yutong (of China) class but, this seemingly sole unit of the Ifugao-based bus firm looks like to be a Christmas gift of the owner to Ifugao folks. It didn’t come as a surprise that young Ifugao individuals who are studying or working in Metro Manila are patronizing the bust company and are particularly on the look- out for this sleek-looking bus when purchasing their tickets. The driver and conductor of this bus are obviously enjoyed being the center attention. I am praying that momma is not allowed inside the bus.
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Finally, here are some thoughts for our dear readers: “The unexplained life is not worth living.” Socrates
“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” 2 Cor 2:17
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May I be allowed to greet belatedly “Happy Birthday!” Alfonso Lista Vice Mayor Agapito Dominguez Jr. A December celebrant, Vice Mayor Dominguez is one of the most hardworking and articulate vice mayors in the province. As presiding officer of the Sangguniang Bayan (municipal council), Vice Mayor Dominguez has provided strong leadership to ensure the passage of quality measures. How did the SB fare under the stewardship of Vice Mayor Dominguez? It should be lauded for its hard work and productivity.
Before entering the world of politics, Mr. Dominguez worked as a security guard in Macau, once a colony of Portugal and now a part of China. It shows that poverty is not a hindrance to succeed.
Vice Mayor Dominguez is very supportive of the municipal government’s programs geared for the development of the youth. He is the main sponsor of an on-going basketball tournament at Alfonso Lista.
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‘The Christmas season in the Philippines is usually associated to such things as the Christmas trees, noche Buena, misa de gallo, gift-giving acts during Christmas parties, Christmas cards and caroling by the young and folks alike in the community.
But, let’s not forget there is also the lighting and hanging of a lantern. The “parol’ (lantern) is a unique component of the Filipino way of celebrating Christ birth. To my mind, the “parol” is not just a religious artifact. It is a work of art.
This is precisely the reason I quickly answered affirmatively to the invitation extended by the Alfonso Lista municipal government to be one of the judges of the first-ever “Parol”-making contest of this largely farming town in the province’s second district.
I am truly honored and privileged to act as one on December 6 at the municipal hall covered court. Even more so, to be named as the Chairman of the Board of Judges of the contest thus, I am truly elated to take part in this historic activity. I am eternally indebted to the organizers of the contest (a key part of the “Pascua Ditoy Alfonso Lista 2019 program) for the task entrusted to me.
Bringing back long-time Christmas traditions that have fallen out of practice and notice the fruits of reviving them is indeed a step in the right direction.
Briefly, I am sharing a transfixing moment during the said activity. The unique Christmas decorations and designs of the lanterns prove that people can customize the way they celebrate this year-end holiday to suit their beliefs and customs.
Along with Mr. Jesus Domingo (owner of the famed Rancho Domingo) and Mr. Joebert Jacinto of the Ifugao State University (IFSU) Potia campus, once more may I express my heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Edralin Alipio for allowing me to contribute in part to the labor of love of judging the “parol”-making contest, which is the realization and fulfillment of what was once just a dream.
To the men and women behind the production and development of this highly-successful undertaking whose support one could not ask for more, I congratulate you all. God bless and Mabuhay!
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Mangan Sutra opened recently in Lagawe. It is located at the newly-opened van, jeepney and bus terminal just a few meters from the Catholic Church. It is exciting merienda as well as breakfast, lunch or dinner in this place. It serves Philippine and foreign dishes to folks- young and old alike who are travelling to several destinations in Ifugao. Congratulations to the eatery’s owner for injecting new beginnings in healthy dining. I’m looking forward to continuing success of the eatery. Make sure to pass by and even bring a friend to this place for a hearty meal. Try its spaghetti and coolers for a delightful change.
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For our food delights corner: I always maintain that Bistek Tagalog is a top gainer during the Yuletide season. This all-time favorite of mine is simply the beef steak. For this December 22 column, Bistek Tagalog slightly edged Lechon Paksiw and Bulalo. Anyhow, Bistek Tagalog is best served with eggplant omelet, fried tilapia and steamed rice. For appetizers and dessert: yema cake, bananas and chilled pineapple juice. Again, don’t forget to pray before meals. Behold God’s blessings to your family, loved ones and friends at the table.
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Unlimited odd thoughts unloaded: Celebrating Christmas is not that you enjoy eating ham, fried chicken and fruit salad. But celebrating it calls for giving even a small portion of one’s wealth to the poor. Make this season of giving more special by giving useful items to those who ask. Find time to bring a home-cooked dish for the needy in your community. It makes a lot of sense! These are highly-recommended acts for you to experience transfixing moments at this time of the year.
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On or before December 25 (as well as January 1, 2020), make it a point to have a copy of the widely-read ZigZag Weekly to get a burst of energy that manifests readiness to embrace change with a huge dosage of positive outlook. Better still, consider it as a must-have gift to a friend or relative. To the men and women, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher Atty. Tony Pekas, my fellow columnists and countless readers: Maligayang Pasko! God bless and Mabuhay!**
