By Anthony A. Araos
For local and foreign tourists alike, this is the time to explore other destinations of Ifugao. At this point, I’m stressing the fact that there are indeed many of them in this part of the country.
For one, there is the Antipolo Rice Terraces. It is located at barangay Antipolo in Asipulo town. Of course, this is just one of the majestic rice terraces of the town.
Trekking is suggested in order to reach the place. Information is a text or call away through one’s cellphone to contact the tourism office.
Antipolo Terraces surely offers a lot for visitors, photographers and students. A trip there is all about agriculture, culture and life in a far-away place. Reached Asipulo town refreshed by way of vans or jeepneys from Lagawe. A one-way, non-air conditioned van trip from the capital town entails a Php 50 fare. It passes by some scenic places of Kiangan town.
Extensive travel means a bigger chance to find new tourist destinations in Ifugao. Christmas season is just around the corner. I take the lead in endorsing Antipolo Rice Terraces in your travel plans during the yuletide vacation. I’m fervently praying that tourists flock to the province to enjoy the unique experience the Asipulo trip offers. Have a safe and comfortable travel to Asipulo!
-o0o-
It’s time for the provincial government of Ifugao to implement development cooperation programs at the municipal level. With this considerable experience in interacting with municipal government officials, holding regular consultations at the grassroots level is necessary.
Provincial government officials should understand the relevance of dialogues and development issues as they relate to people’s welfare and vice versa.
The conduct of periodic consultations with 11 municipal government officials, nongovernmental and people’s organizations and other concerned sectors of the community before any program or project is implemented in their respective jurisdiction is essential.
Governor Pedro Mayam-o has to keep reinventing operational mechanisms of his office in order for it to truly respond to the needs and aspirations of the people.
Here’s a very good example. On your way to Manila or Nueva Vizcaya, just after the Ibulao Bridge and rotunda/junction landmark is a stretch of road presently under construction for quite some time. The project is good or effective from an engineer’s standpoint because you’ll have a well-paved road, but disadvantageous to the commuter due to untold inconveniences.
So why not hold a consultation meeting with Governor Mayam-o, Board Member Federico Juguiad Jr., chairman of the committee on public works, Kiangan Mayor Joselito Guyguyon, barangay council officials and residents. It’s time to listen to all stakeholders and I honestly think said officials are mature that they make their judgement based on data and objective reason.
As it is, construction plans were “unrealistic” given the fact the project has been going on a long time.
Construction and improvement of roads in Ifugao is undoubtedly vital, but I see no justification whatsoever for doing it at such a slow pace- nearly turtle pace at that.
These consultations, it is hoped, will lead to sound decisions that can lessen discomfort on the public.
-o0o-
The old provincial capitol annex building is a condemned facility. Yet, the following offices are situated there: Philippine Statistics Office, Department of Interior of Local Government, provincial library, Commission on Audit, Post Office, cooperative canteen, Commission on Elections, Department of Information, Communication and Technology, Civil Service Commission, Girls’ Scouts of the Philippines, Muyong project and Reservists office among others.
God forbids, in the event of a calamity (like a strong earthquake or typhoon) the casualties are likely to be high. My fair estimate is that there are about 250 personnel occupying said facility. How about their clients? This facility is very old. No longer fit to be used even for a second. Don’t even think of its sewer line because it stinks. It is a health hazard- plain and simple! Not to mention the fact that it is a fire hazard structure, due to absence of fire exit doors. Believe it or not: it is practically made of age-old wood materials. To add insult to injury, the flooring (at the second floor, to be more precise) has cracking, frightening sounds. Caution: If you’re going the comfort room (second floor), enter at your own risk!
Small wonder, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan abandoned it a few years back. Like captains of a sinking ship! Leaving several miserable passengers even without lifeguards!
My recommendation: Demolition subject to relocation. Immediate construction of a new three-story building is necessary. The first floor is intended to house a museum, a fitting reminder that this facility is a relic of the past. I won’t even be surprised if a bone of a dinosaur will be unearthed here. Well, the province is truly indeed of a history museum.
The second floor is for national offices, while the third floor is for the library, canteen and a conference room.
I’m most willing and ready to help you guys in realizing this life-saving initiative. However, if you find my recommendation still unappealing, I’d rather endeavor towards declaring it as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At least, you’ll turn it into a tourist destination!
This has been a longstanding problem to begin with. How come, until now, it hasn’t been acted upon? There is an eerie silence for the most part of it. So, to all concerned parties: Department heads, their employees and highly-placed officials of the provincial government. What the hell are you waiting for? Act now, before it’s too late! Save yourselves!
I am in the private sector, but I cannot in good conscience keep silent on this vital concern. To do so, is clearly inimical to the best interest of these hard working and dedicated men and women of the aforementioned offices. Think of them and their families. Isn’t this a responsibility of those who walk in the corridors of power? After all, they are your constituents. Not mine! They voted for you! Needless for me to say, you owe them a lot.
I now dare Governor Mayam-o and Vice Governor Jose Jordan Gullitiw to hold office there even for a day at this old, antiquated and condemned annex building. My heart bleeds for those who are sacrificing their lives in the name of public service while a few others are enjoying the comforts of modern, well-equipped and furnished offices!
-o0o-
Since her college days, its owner Mariflor Capuyan had been dreaming of putting up a restaurant where everyone can hang out and have a very good food. With her passion for learning of various concerns and cooking exotic and delicious cuisines, she yearned for a “different” venue where both can be enjoyed to the fullest in an enviable atmosphere that is fresh, relaxing and wholesome.
Alas, she realized her dream with the opening recently of the Museum Restaurant in Lagawe, Ifugao. It is located at the first floor of Manghis Building at Barangay Poblacion South.
Ms. Capuyan takes enormous inspiration from advices and suggestions of loved ones, friends and business associates and in their collective aspirations for promoting culture as well as healthy lifestyle and ensuring a better future.
Without a doubt, Museum Restaurant is in a position to pride itself as one of the finest restaurants in the capital town, with top quality food meals and a wide variety of fresh vegetable salads.
To my mind, the place is well-laid out, the feeling is unpressured which means the restaurant is a perfect choice to partake banana pancake before going home. It also offers many other great food meals for a casual family gathering. Sagada Mountain tea is also available here. No tea lover should miss this.
Relatedly, this coming festive season of Christ’s birth make sure to find time for a cup of tea thus, enjoying its balance of health and tradition.
Prompt and courteous service is Museum Restaurant’s distinct kind of attention given to its patrons whether they are after some quality and affordable health-benefitting meals or set out in buying bananas or citrus fruits.
Exceptional breakfast, lunch and dinner treats await one at Museum Restaurant. Come and celebrate a special occasion even before Christmas Day.
-o0o-
Posted on the wall at the Ifugao State University (IFSU) campus is a memorandum signed by a high official that read as follows: “To all dean:” What’s wrong with that? It should have been: “To all deans.”
Be correct in your communications at all times. Complement your desire to transform the young into productive members of society with the usage of correct grammar.
-o0o-
Apart from Salt and Pepper Restaurant and Inn, I consider Sagada Homestay as a nice place to spend a night or two while vacationing in Sagada, Mountain Province. Services are excellent. They serve healthy and delicious cuisines. Holding a workshop or seminar here is a decision worth considering.
-o0o-
For our food delights corner: I’m inclined to suggest baby back ribs with java rice and cream of mushroom soup.
For dessert, the baked banana served with a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream is worth a nod. Add to it a slice of papaya, yema cake and chilled guyabano juice.
It’s also nice to have banana muffin for snack time to just remind one in a way to enjoy life even in the most stressful time at work. It pays to have thorough understanding of good food and its implications.
-o0o-
Finally, some thoughts for our readers: “Silence means that a politician is willing to make friends with anybody, right or wrong, corrupt or honest, as long as the politician can gather votes. This is the mantra of the unprincipled person. In other words, that candidate is an opportunist. He does not act out of conviction, but rather out of what is convenient for himself.” A quote from the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago
“If you forgive others their wrongdoings, your Father in heaven will also forgive yours. If you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive you.” Mt. 6:17-15
