By Anthony A. Araos
So much fun and adventure await local and foreign tourists who are visiting Mayoyao in February and the coming months of 2017.
Henceforth, may I recommend that they consider going to Tenogtog Falls. This is a wonderful place to see in Mayoyao, a promising , fast-emerging town next to Banaue.
There is no doubt that Tenogtog Falls shall provide a good reason to understand and appreciate the wonders of nature.
Why the Tenogtog Falls? It is the same great waterfalls everywhere you go in rural Philippines. The place is tranquil and picturesque. It is a must-see site for a traveler from, let’s say, Quezon City or Cebu City or Austria or Germany.
It’s high time for Mayor Ronie Lumayna and the other municipal government officials, to aggressively promote Tenogtog Falls as a major site to draw visitors. By doing so, they shall further ensure the growth and development of their town since such a move is much helpful in the tourism industry.
Tourism has been the engine of growth through employment creation. The Mayoyao municipal government has to move fast in order to solve the unemployment problem because a lot of people are looking for jobs.
Mayor Lumanya’s achievements over the years are aplenty and worthy of recognition. Certainly, more are coming if he focuses in the tourism industry. While Mayor Lumayna and other officials celebrate the successes they have had, they should recognize that there is always much to be done and that they are, more than ever, committed to doing even better.
Mayoyao is surely poised to be a major player in the province’s tourism industry. What is happening in Mayoyao is simply a microcosm of what is happening in the entire province where poverty incidence is still relatively high.
To Mayor Lumayna: I’m most willing and ready to extend a helping hand. I’m forwarding a proposal outlining a plan for marketing and promoting Mayoyao domestically and internationally as a major global tourism destination, highlighting the uniqueness of the town and assisting the development of its products (such as organic products, bamboo craft, wood craft and processed food) and services, with the end goal of increasing tourist arrivals and generating tourism investment.
It’s a timely proposal aimed at enriching the competitiveness of Mayoyao’s tourism industry and at the same time providing local opportunities for employment. The opening of more job opportunities will invariably contribute to the growth of the local economy. There is so much money to earn and there are thousands around the country doing it and following this formula.
At Tenogtog Falls, get to discover unique experience with unspoiled, unaltered environment.
First time visitors in Mayoyao will discover there is more to Tenogtog Falls than meet the eyes. Mayoyao offers breathtaking scenery in a serene environment. It’s a wonderful place for trekking, biking, camping, picnic and photography.
Mayoyao’s views are so beautiful. The people are friendly, peace-loving and hospitable. Although the bulk of tourist arrivals are still posted in Banaue, the boom is about to catch up and intensify across Mayoyao, and so it’s time to take this seriously is you’re a good leader. I’m not even stressing the fact that Mayoyao dances are worth following because these reflect Mayoyao age-old traditions.
Mayoyao is accessible, with peaceful villages and public schools manned by hard working and dedicated principals and teachers.
So will we see more tourists coming to Mayoyao in 2017 and beyond, perhaps?
-o0o-
February 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 are marked as dark days in the annals of Ifugao’s sports history. February 8, in particular, indeed was a very sad day for Ifugao sports enthusiasts.
In the 2016 edition of the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) Meet in Baguio City, Ifugao placed third in the overall standings. The same position it registered in the 2015 staging, also in Baguio City.
On February 8, 2017, it was ranked sixth. The final rankings: Baguio City, first; Benguet, second; Mountain Province, third; Kalinga, fourth; Apayao, fifth. Abra placed seventh and last.
Ranking fourth among seven contingents isn’t too bad after all. But dipping from the previous year’s ranking of third to sixth – or second to the last indicates something awfully wrong took place in the last CARAA Meet. Answers are needed to nagging questions of the day.
Last February 9, I saw Ifugao Vice Governor Jose Jordan Gullitiw at his office. He was also disappointed. He uttered: “A poor finish.” I corrected him by saying: “A very poor finish.” Our conversation ended there.
No excuses, no alibis please. Six months back, I told DepEd officials as well as Governor Pedro Mayam-o and some Board Members that Mountain Province is preparing hard for the CARAA Meet. Apparently, my advice fell on deaf ears. I even heard someone saying: “Kayang kaya natin yan.”
At a DepEd-sponsored activity for coaches and trainers before the just-concluded CARAA Meet, I spoke on the need for Ifugao athletes to train hard and prepare early for the competition. Instead of concurring on my views, it was business as usual for some.
So, this year’s stint of the Ifugao delegation ended in a debacle. One of the worst finishes by Ifugao.
From a haul of 20 gold medals in 2016 and it went down to 10 golds in 2017. From third in 2016 and it plummeted to sixth in 2017.
Many are shocked. Many are saying that the performance of the Ifugao delegation was “unacceptable.” To my mind, it’s utterly shameful to be beaten even by other provinces.
Are this comments and criticisms justified? I’m inclined to discuss this most unfortunate turn of events for the so-called Ifugao brave in my incoming commentaries.
-o0o-
There is so much to learn and even more to appreciate in good business practices by the owners of Collins Purified Water in Lagawe, Ifugao. Products sold are indeed are good value for money.
Start and end the day in any business by giving not just good services but the very best services to customers.
Specials and sales on holidays will surely appeal.
Because business owners in Lagawe and elsewhere may well ask the following questions: What can we do to improve? Answer: A lot! Start by dropping by Collins Purified Water.
-o0o-
Finally, some thoughts for our readers: “We know only too well that what we’re doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But if a drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something.” Quote from the late Mother Teresa of Calcutta, India.
“This is our fight, the fight against hunger, against fear, against hopelessness.” Quote from former Senator and Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II.
“Some politicians get elected because they are well known. The other politicians are defeated for the same reason.” Quote from the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago.**
