By Anthony A. Araos
Each day presents a challenge or two. That’s why I strongly submit that Christmas Day is not just to be celebrated on December 25 each year. To my mind, every day is Christmas Day. This is precisely the reason why my photograph is still the same- a columnist sporting a Santa Claus hat.
For so long a time, Filipinos held that Christmas Day is all about Christmas tree, extravagant parties, exchanging expensive gifts, wearing new clothes and a bountiful Noche Buena. This is largely due to the prevailing perception that Christmas Day is about the money you have. The more money you have, the merrier is your Christmas party. I don’t buy it. I don’t submit to such an idea. Come to think of it, Jesus Christ was born in a manger in Bethlehem, not at Makati Medical Center. I want to put a stop to this flawed and ridiculous belief and reinvent this practice.
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Different beliefs, practices and costumes are being presented to local and foreign tourists. It has been like this for decades. It is this rich history that make such a unique cultural heritage in the scenic town of Banaue, which can be expected in 2017.
Without a doubt, Banaue shall keep its distinction as the top destination of tourists in Ifugao.
Overall tourism output in Banaue remained strong, growing significantly in 2016.
Of course, a more aggressive stance zeroing in on tourism investments is not a bad idea for the municipal government (headed by hardworking and dedicated Mayor Jerry Dalipog) to consider at this point of time.
For instance, an educational theme part maybe constructed. Keeping up with the times, such a place is most helpful in advancing the cause of not just tourism but also obviously on education. A number of activities are likely to be conducted in the park. To name a few: community or school-based art exhibition, interactive story telling or read-along sessions, poetry reading and cultural presentations. In other words, this is an effective way of bringing back the appreciation of traditional Filipino values.
I am looking forward to the promotion of a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors on this matter. I like the fact that Mayor Dalipog and the other officials are very responsive to new ideas. The mere fact that Banaue is the leading tourist destination is a testament to their efforts. There’s hardly any doubt that Mayor Dalipog shall continue to stay well ahead of the game in 2017.
Bring in more tourists this year. Banaue’s tourism performance continues to be driven by its picturesque rice terraces. Still, there’s surely room for an expansion program.
Within walking distance from the municipal hall are the public market and many other attractions such as souvenir shops.
Banaue is still a fascinating rural town, with more than half of its people living out of the main Poblacion area.
I’m waging a Php5 bet that other towns are facing heavy odds to dislodge Banaue of its ranking.
All things seem to be on the upward movement here, all indicators show that Banaue officials could easily exceed what they have achieved in 2016. There are so many good aspects and opportunities in 2017.
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On the other hand, Ifugao is experiencing continued declining competitiveness in the tourism industry. And while tourists are visiting Banaue in numbers, the story is entirely different in other towns.
This is not surprising since accommodations (such as hotels and lodging inns) are inadequate in said towns. This case is more pronounced in poorer towns.
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In Baguio City, often times the so-called Peak Season (so far as the tourism industry is concerned) refers to the Holy Week, Christmas, New Year, Philippine Military Academy Alumni Homecoming and Panagbenga Festival. The private sector should come up with a similar one in Ifugao.
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I’d like to finally see the private sector (non-government organizations– NGOs, civil society organizations-CSOs and people’s organizations- POs, in particular) being given a bigger and greater hand in 2017 in the decision-making process of the Ifugao provincial government. In developed provinces, the private sector has been an instrument in improving the lives of Filipinos by providing those voices. The Mayam-o administration should ensure participation of NGOs, CSOs and POs in the development program and projects including their involvement in the planning, design, implementation, management, monitoring and evaluation of said programs and projects.
In a province where poverty incidence is so high, persistent and pronounced, why are the sentiments of leaders of NGOs, CSOs and POs not being heard? After all, what are at stake are funds accrued from them- from taxpayer’s money.
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For 2017, promotion of good governance, human development and poverty alleviation should remain high on the list of priorities of Governor Pedro Mayam-o. Certainly, the big picture is on the issue of connectivity. The programs of the governor should be connected to the people whether his chief lieutenants want it or not. The Mayam-o administration should learn from what occurred in 2016. Subsequently, pick up from it. The administration is faced now with the reality that the people want to see good things happening in their lives. Indeed, poverty incidence is a major problem in the province that carries ripple effects on the socio-economic dimensions. Improvement of the conditions of the people’s lives is the order of the day.
To whom it may concern: Please do something about the lack of water at a major hospital in the first district of Ifugao. The problem stems from the fact that almost all toilets there are clogged up. My goodness, this is a major health issue!
Believe it or not, patients are even asked to bring their own mattresses. Reason: lack of beds for patients to use. As a result, they have to lie along the walkways. My goodness sake, this is another major health issue!
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Inside and outside of the session hall of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Ifugao Board Member Robert Mangyao has spent a great deal of time attending to the needs of the people, most especially the poor.
He is the chairman of the Committee on Peace and Order. In 2016, he has performed exceedingly well as a legislator.
To have a better sense of what are his plans for 2017, an exclusive interview with the ZigZag Weekly was conducted recently at his Lagawe residence. This is on top of lengthy conversations and discussions with him in Lagawe and Subic town in Zambales. I’m to share his thoughts on key issues of the day in my forthcoming commentaries. Surely, his views are vital in the formulation of strategies and policy mechanisms of the provincial government in 2017 and beyond. Fortunately, BM Mangyao has a solid knowledge of various marginalized communities in Ifugao.
It is so important that there are officials who ensure that policy decisions and actions are truly responsive to the people’s needs. In Ifugao, one such official is BM Mangyao. Keep up your excellent work Sir Robert!
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Finally, our thoughts for our readers: “In any Congress, out of 100 people, 2 are honest and intelligent, 10 are criminals and 88 are good for nothing.” Quoted from the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago. **
