By Anthony A. Araos
For several decades or so, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California has been a major attraction to countless tourists from around the world. It is, therefore, a major point of interest in the United States of America.
There are surely many other well-known bridges in other continents.
Believe it or not, many are saying that the Ibulao Bridge is also an attraction to local and foreign tourists. Made of steel and with a length or span of 138.10 linear meters, the Ibulao Bridge connects the towns of Kiangan and Lagawe, Ifugao’s capital. No doubt, it is one of the most important bridges in the province. By the way, the bridge was even repainted- in bright, striking reflectorized orange. That’s the good news.
Here’s the bad news: the condition of the bridge has been said to be “poor.” By whom? No less than the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The report came out on December 18, 2015. So clearly, something urgent has to be done to save it.
I think the assessment of the DPWH is crystal clear. I’m not an engineer, but to me, it’s pretty clear.
It should be addressed immediately, swiftly and decisively. What the people need is a good and safe bridge, not a refurbished one because the safety of the public is at stake.
Attention: DPWH Secretary Mark Villar. Please take note that trucks (even container vans), buses, vans, cars, jeepneys, tricycles, bicycles and motorcycles are passing through the bridge daily. Needless to even count them! Ever-mindful of the fact that commuters bound for Bontoc (in Mtn. Province) are likewise using the bridge. This is on top of the fact that Lagawe is the gateway to Banaue town where tourists flock to see the world-famous rice terraces.
Guess what- according to a year 2011 post in lgukianganadmin (official website of the municipal government of Kiangan) the bridge is “passable but needs major repair.” For the sake of the tourism industry and all others, please do something about it before it’s too late! God forbids, if a major earthquake or a strong typhoon hits the bridge, the damage bwould simply be unimaginable.
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The Ifugao provincial government conducted recently a tree-planting activity at Mt. Attugo in Hingyon town. It’s good that such undertaking, with participants from the public sector, took place. However, the practice of “kaingin” (slash-and-burn farming) is still prevalent in the province. Kaingin is destroying large swathes of Ifugao’s forestland. What else can be said?
I really think the Mayam-o administration should undertake a massive information campaign in order to educate the people on the grave consequences of further losing forest cover.
When we have systematically raised their awareness and consciousness on the importance of trees, we see results. Very good results! Ifugao needs trees for its present and future generations. A tree is vital to the development of the province.
The Mayam-o and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan should move and act quickly to check forest denudation and put an end to rampant destruction of the environment. Likewise, the involvement of non-government organizations– people’s organizations and civil society organizations– is vital in addressing this problem. In other words, there is a need for collective action. Is a mere tree-planting project addressing squarely the array of concerns, including illegal tree-cutting actions? No, and certainly, far from it!
I’m hoping and praying that Governor Pedro Mayam-o, Vice Governor Jose Jordan Gullitiw and the ten board members would take “bold steps” to stamp out the problem on bald mountains in their midst.
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Relatedly, the barangay councils are reportedly set to conduct a synchronized tree-planting activity. Again, that’s good. But, the kaingin problem is still there. So on Oct. 9, a Sunday, why not discuss at length the repercussions of kaingin during the Barangay Assembly? Barangay council officials and their constituents should be ready for the effects of kaingin. How I wish provincial government officials will initiate dialogues with all sectors on this concern.
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So you want to be Vice Governor?
Not me, it’s no easy job at all. It was a rousing day for officials and personnel of the provincial government at the Lagawe Public Plaza during the 116th Philippine Civil Service anniversary program as they converged for the so-called “Family Day” celebration with Vice Governor Jose Jordan Gullitiw as one of the speakers. The articulate official shared how the family strengthened the foundation of Philippine society.
This is just one of the many occasions Vice Governor Gullitiw shared the limelight by extolling values and explaining key issues of the day to the people. Much earlier, he was a guest speaker at the Hapid National High School in Lamut.
With the people all hyped to know the developments on the proposed budget of the provincial government for 2017, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s presiding officer and undoubtedly its chief source of inspiration and motivation, Vice Governor Gullitiw, has teamed up recently with the ten board members to speed up work on the budget outlay, particularly on the Annual Investment Plan.
The action on the budget is a positive sign of the bright possibilities for Ifugao. Bond together for the just and noble cause of ensuring the betterment of the people’s lives, the legislative department acted rightly on this matter thus, proving that Vice Governor Gullitiw is a development advocate.
Ifugao presently faces a lot of challenges and its officials need to address these in a way that makes sure the government is a true embodiment of the will of the people.
Fortunately, Vice Governor Gullitiw is a man endowed with energy, drive, competence, experience and compassion. He is a man of character, highly-principled, with the proven track record in public service. Over the years, he also made an indelible mark in the people’s consciousness on vital issues affecting them. I have faith and trust that he will steadfastly pursue what is right and what is best for the people, most especially the poor.
His vast experience in local government is most helpful to the provincial government. For he previously held important posts in Asipulo. And you don’t get that experience overnight.
It’s why Ifugao is grateful to him for laying the foundation of not just good but better governance and improve delivery of services to the citizenry.
To Vice Governor Gullitiw: Keep up the excellent work! I wish you fortitude in the years to come.
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Ifugao public school teachers (as well as their counterparts in the nation’s 80 other provinces) celebrated recently World Teachers Day with a fitting program at the Lagawe Central School gymnasium.
Teachers are very hardworking and dedicated. We need to celebrate and salute the success of their noteworthy actions.
I asked teachers from Asipulo, Hingyon, Lamut and Mayoyao towns if they were given travel allowances for the said activity. All of them gave a negative reply. In attendance were mentors from Ifugao’s 11 towns.
I couldn’t believe how the government has given them a poor and shabby treatment. If it isn’t as if officials do not know what ought to be done. Come to think of it, the Department of Education’s (DepEd) proposed budget for 2017 is an astronomical Php 550 billion. It is disheartening to even learn that a Lamut teacher has to pay Php 250 or so for the shirt she was wearing for the occasion. Maybe, it’s because I have so much respect and admiration for teachers. But there is no sane way I can explain why the inability to even provide them a meager travel allowance or a free shirt. Doesn’t that round counter to the slogan “My Teacher, My Hero” embossed on their shirts? For every creative and innovative mind that Ifugao could produce, there is a teacher behind that task and success. Then, I recall, too, the slogan “Pagmamalasakit sa Pagbabago “(“Compassion for Change”) on their shirts, and yet you can’t give them small perks on such an all-important day. Oh come ‘on! Our beloved teachers surely deserve a better deal from the Duterte administration.
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Finally, a thought to share to our readers: “A coward is incapable of expressing love; it is the prerogative of the brave.” As said by Mahatma Gandhi of India.**
