By Anthony A. Araos
What do Gualberto Lumauig, Zosimo Paredes, Juan Dait Jr., Daniel Culhi, Benjamin Cappleman, Albert Pawingi, Ildefonso Dulinayan, Glenn Prudenciano, Teodoro Baguilat, Eugene Balitang, Denis Habawel, Pedro Mayam-o and Jerry Dalipog have in common? They all have occupied the all-powerful, all-influential Office of the Governor. They all have served the province with distinction.
Their portraits right now are on display at the provincial capitol library in Lagawe. Is this the appropriate place for the portraits of public servants who have served the province with distinction? I don’t think so. Come on, let’s display them at an appropriate section of the main capitol building.
Right now, these portraits are in very bad condition, some broken and repaired with masking tape. Believe it or not, Atty. Eugene M. Balitang’s name is misspelled! That of Atty. Albert D. Pawingi has no explanation except for the time he served – 1992 – 1995. That of a governor who has already passed away is badly faded in color. My God, he must be turning in his grave or feeling bad in his after-life place. My question is why is the portrait of Vice Governor Glenn Prudenciano not included? He was the governor from 2006 to 2007. Another interesting observation: the portrait of the incumbent reads “Engineer Jerry U. Dalipog, 2019-2022”. This presumes that he won’t serve a third term. Who are we to say?
These portraits are precious and priceless. They depict a part of our history and culture. Our governors’ inaugural addresses, state -of-the provincial addresses, and even the short messages they delivered during flag ceremonies are among the richest bits and pieces of the history of our province. I can still clearly remember how Governor Habawel lambasted his arch-critics who were members of the board over the “fund transfer” issue for over an hour. That’s a bit of our history.
These portraits help us remember the governors who served the people of the province and how they have shaped our history. We have the duty to pass their legacy to the future generations. Properly displaying their portraits is one way of doing this.
It is good that I’m not a relative of any of them. Why? Because I can boldly point out an error without any conflict of interest. I think that these portraits need a more appropriate place.
ICHO (Ifugao Cultural Heritage Office) head Nora Luglug is working earnestly to rectify the problem. She said that the intercession of Governor Dalipog will provide a swift and decisive solution. So I’m forwarding a letter to Governor Dalipog outlining my support and recommendations.
Well, who wants to be a governor? Not me– thanks but no thanks, under these or any other circumstances. Not even in my wildest dreams!
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Board Member Aezle Dumangeng should be commended for her foresight to plan the “Linggo ng Kabataan” (Youth Week) program celebration in Ifugao this year.
Dumangeng, also the president of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation of Ifugao, has announced the holding of the annual program by August. Activities are to be conducted through an online mode because of the COVID-19 restrictions.
The road ahead surely could be more challenging. But Board Member Dumangeng and the other officers of the province’s SK Federation are ready to face whatever challenges come their way.
In other words, this is the time for these youthful leaders to show their true character and mettle. They should be able to evolve as dynamic and pro-active partners of the government in these uncertain times.
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Why is it that most Ifugao folks don’t understand and appreciate the importance of protecting their environment, particularly forests and watershed areas? This is indeed a legitimate question. Forested mountains are vanishing quickly because of the rampant practice of “kaingin” by uneducated and ill-disciplined Ifugao folks. Yet, many are not saying anything about it.
I think the most important thing is to make this problem widely known, and to make sure that local government units are aware of the situation and respond to it. If by 2022, local officials are still unable to solve the problem, voters should kick them out of office and replace them with pro-environment individuals. There is no other option. Come on, think about the picturesque mountains four or five years from now. If nothing is done, Ifugao will end up with denuded mountains. This is one hell of a problem.
Another important aspect to be scrutinized is the management of communal forests. It is time to review forest management plans. It is very important to designate portions of the forest that will be developed with coffee plantations or as ecotourism sites.
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The House of Representatives members who rejected the franchise application of ABS-CBN have no right to be at the lower chamber of Congress at the expense of taxpayers if they don’t seriously reform and improve its performance.
Every Filipino is a witness to the importance of protecting press freedom in the Philippines.
Right-thinking Filipinos should make those who voted against the renewal of the ABS-CBN franchise explain their reason. The decision was an unmatched act of arrogance. It is a serious threat to our freedom of expression. It should not be tolerated nor repeated.
For the record, 11 members of the House of Representatives sided with ABS-CBN. They have courageously stood for press freedom. They include Bienvenido Abante, Sol Aragones, Leaida Bolilea. Gabriel Bordado Jr., Christopher de Venecia, Mujib Hataman, Edward Maceda, Vilma Santos-Recto, Stella Quimbo, Jose Tejada and Carlos Isagani Zarate. Godspeed to the 11 brave defenders of press freedom!
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Ifugao is trying its best to sustain its gains in the field of organic farming. Board Member Noli Maguiwe sponsored an ordinance seeking to increase the budget to Php 1 million from Php 500,000 for the promotion and development of organic agriculture. Board Member Maguiwe deserves my heartfelt commendations for this initiative.
Former Board Member Samson Atluna authored the landmark Organic Agriculture Code of Ifugao in 2013. However, over the years, nothing was done to make it more useful to farmers. The attention of provincial government bigwigs was elsewhere.
The action of Board Member Maguiwe would allow farmers to take advantage of the rising demand for organic vegetables in the market. Organically-raised tomatoes, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, okra and squash are highly sought by the people. By the way, ampalaya (bitter gourd) is a top-selling item at SM, Robinsons and Rustans supermarkets.
There have been great advances in the study of organic farming. For one, the frequent and excessive application of pesticides would lead to increased soil acidity which would later result in poor crop yield.
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For our food delights corner: Snack time treat of pearl milk tea is an excellent idea during these bedeviling hot times. Go for it just to beat the unbearable heat at home or at the office. Last January I got one in Quezon City. It was the most superb one I have ever had. That is if your all-time favorite halo-halo (or vanilla ice cream) is not available. Whatever your choice, don’t forget to pray just the same.
-oOo-
Brainy tidbit: This early, Ifugao voters should be educated on the merits of having a robust and expanding economy where benefits are widely shared by the people. This can only be realized through a government dedicated to honing and mobilizing the people’s skills and energies. The government should tap the creative energies of the people and provide the means by which their desire for improvement can be translated into long-lasting benefits. For starters, tell them not to vote for candidates because they have good looks!
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‘Finally, here are some thoughts for our dear readers: “If you can’t explain it to a six year old, you don’t understand it yourself.” Albert Einstein
“Man is by nature: a social animal.” Aristotle**
