By Anthony A. Araos
Mount Kesimelan truly has a special place in the hearts of Asipulo folks. Small wonder, the Kesimelan Trek was included in the Kulpid Asipulo or the Asipulo town fiesta. I’m lauding the decision for its inclusion.
But, the Big Story on why trekking is ideal in Asipulo certainly doesn’t end there.
For sure, the fun doesn’t have to end one day in April, just to celebrate the fiesta. Municipal government officials, led by Mayor Armando Domilod, and those in the private sector, who are supportive of the town’s tourism industry, should take the April 17 trek activity instead as a cue to jumpstart the promotion of trekking in Asipulo on a higher level. I’m most willing to extend a helping hand in boost the town’s tourism industry. After all, Asipulo is such a wonderful place for trekkers- local or foreign, to explore, learn and enjoy each step of the way to the town’s mountains.
As I mentioned in my previous column, Mount Kesimelan is rich in natural wonders for tourists to see and appreciate. This holds true with the other mountains in Asipulo. In the end, it is a rare learning experience for tourists to find out why rainforests are so important to mankind. Let their yes be yes to this assertion and simply guide many others on the relationship of watersheds and irrigation systems in a farming town like Asipulo.
But more than them, I would like to point out that Asipulo is another place for tourist guides to make a living. In the United States, tourist guides who accompany trekkers are earning well. It is high time, therefore, that trekking fees be reviewed.
Highly-trained and well-paid tourist guides are needed in Ifugao. To my mind, peace and order situation is a concern of both the tourists and their guides. Overseas tourists might be more hesitant in visiting Ifugao and elsewhere under an uncertain condition. All these English-speaking guides in Ifugao are partners for change and are just as committed to bring prosperity in various communities. May the government provide them insurance benefits.
Trek and get to see a number of significant historical sites. The best time to make the trip is between November and February when the weather is fine and cool. Vans and jeepneys depart from Lagawe daily.
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As of noon time of April 14, some aspiring Ifugao folks have filed their certificate of candidacies (COCs) at the COMELEC for various positions at stake in the synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls on May 14.
Seriously look into the qualifications and track records of the candidates. For instance, determine if he or she has adequate knowledge and education to prepare him or her for the desired position. Find out, if he or she uses the barangay’s financial resources judiciously and does not use any government fund for personal gain.
Ascertain, if he or she has a political will, more so in relation to the implementation of the laws of the barangay. In other words, this time around please vote wisely. In the forthcoming village and SK elections and the 2019 local polls, you have a chance to choose among three kinds of candidates: Clowns, Crooks and (a few) Competent ones. The choice is yours and yours alone. Good luck!
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Youthful Filipino voters in Ifugao and the other 80 provinces are heading to the polls on May 14 to fill the positions of SK chairperson and kagawad (councilman). This may well be the last chance before it’s much-sought for abolition, to reform the non-functional, much-discredited and much-despised youth council.
Young voters should be educated on the rudiments and essence of the right to suffrage, enlightened choice when casting a ballot and good governance. It is hoped that in spite of your age, you’re cognizant of what is happening in the Philippines. For you will inherit it. So be concerned. You’re a catalyst for change!
During the campaign period, make every effort to know if the candidate has a clear and concrete program and platform for leadership as well envisioned programs that address widespread poverty, illegal drugs use, gambling, drinking and other vices.
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It appears that a number of our readers in Ifugao is gaining interest in the column’s continuing education campaign on Jollibee vis-à-vis the attempt to bring about the benefits of modernization to the province.
This time around, let me point out that aside from the Philippines, Jollibee stores operate in Asia, North America and the Middle East. Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) is the largest Asian food service company. It maintains either company-owned or franchised stores.
Jollibee is truly a standout for it maintains and unceasingly improves the quality of its services and food in the restaurants around the world. The JFC management is investing heavily in increasing its organization and supply chain capability.
Jollibee just opened a new store beside Victory Liner terminal, at barangay Engineer’s Hill in Baguio City. It looks forward to opening more stores this year. This information is being passed to enterprising Ifugao businessmen. Keep yourselves open to opportunities for joint ventures and capital enhancement exercises. What are you waiting for? Grab the opportunity now!
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One more time with strong feelings, the familiar specter of addressing the rich and famous, big shots that walks in the corridors of power as “Honorables.” Well, the Ifugao Cultural, Educational, Scientific and Community Development Center, Inc. (ICESCDCI) invited three “Honorables” for the Graduation ceremony of its Skills Transfer Training on Ifugao Gong Beating and Ifugao Native Dancing Program at Poblacion North Barangay Hall in Lagawe. Not a shadow of them was seen in said rites. Sadly, even President Rodrigo Duterte doesn’t positively influence some individuals here. He said: drop the word “Honorable” when addressing him. Soon, the repackaged mastermind of the controversial pork barrel scam after she turns into a state witness just to pin down some opposition figures shall be addressed: Honorable Janet Napoles. That smacks of the highest form of adoration like gods.
Anyhow, I attended the program and lauded the organizers and trainees. I said they have invariably made indelible impact to promoting Ifugao culture.
My message in part says: “Your presence is indeed a manifestation of your commitment to promote the traditional ways of life in the province. Without a doubt, this training program is a unique human capital investment tool for building the future of the young. To my mind, the five-day activity achieved its goal of promoting, empowering and nurturing children towards strengthened capacity to understand the meaning of traditions in the years to come.
To enable countless individuals to experience where and how the Ifugao culture began, an educational journey to the past has been recently conceptualized, and I’ll be glad to tell it to others. Credit it to the ICESCDCI. What others had promised for so long, the ICESCDCI has already done in five days.”
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Blooper in Ifugao: A government employee in Lagawe suddenly collapsed and was rushed to a hospital in Solano (there’s no functioning hospital in this capital town), Nueva Vizcaya. A doctor immediately attended to her.
Doctor: Madame, what’s the problem?
Patient: Obviously, I don’t feel well.
Doctor: Of course, I’m aware of that. Your co-worker said you have
been frequently complaining of ulcer pains? You
look so pale and very weak!
Patient: I’m so hungry.
Doctor: For how long?
Patient: The past six months.
Doctor: Why? Your co-worker also said that you’re hardworking and
obedient. What’s then the connection?
Patient: I just followed the sign at the office placed by my boss.
Doctor: What does it say?
Patient: “No lunch break!”
Doctor: Diagnosis: the patient must be suffering from an illness called
acute stupidities! It’s not a chronic disease, it a comic
disease!
Prescription: Go back to Kindergarten!
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Tip for success: Strive for high ideals. See, understand and appreciate the value of human work. It is nice to reap the fruits of idealism, after sweating it out in these trying times.
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For our food delights corner: Present a delectable, all-time Filipino favorite dish at the table for dinner time. Here we go with sinigang na hipon (shrimps), with lots of kangkong leaves, gabi (taro), okra and radish. Great with eggplant omelet, asado na tenga na baboy (pig’s ears) and rice.
For appetizers and dessert: ube cake, fruit salad and chilled mango juice.
Seal this mouth-watering meal for the family and loved ones with a prayer for the glory of the Almighty Creator.
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Finally, here are some thoughts for our readers: “The Lord is compassion and love.” Ps 103:1-2
“The Supreme Court has declared pork barrel as unconstitutional. But during the time when pork barrel was still a legitimate exercise of the power to reduce poverty, it became a widespread source of corruption from no less than the leaders of our country.” Quote from the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago **
