By Anthony A. Araos
No need to travel far to get great Dragon Fruit jam, crinkles and wines. No need whatsoever to even go to China- surely not in Wuhan. Here at Alfonso Lista, Editha Paculor is bringing you the finest goods that she produced with utmost care and highest quality from this fast-emerging farming farm. She specializes in delicacies out of dragon fruits and so take my word for it. She is indeed spreading the message of enjoying good nutrition and wellness to all.
Paculor, owner of Blessings Dragon Fruit Products, hopes to elevate the town’s economy through her world-class products. At two mini-food fairs last year, her booth showcased the modern influences in business and trade. On top of this, the packaging of products is superb. If you’re in search of the right crinkles and jam for sandwich to pair with your fine wine this February month of love and merriment, then Alfonso Lista is the best place for you to visit. You’ll start to think about how you want to enjoy affordable and yummy food items.
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It is really high time to make students “learning years” more memorable and fulfilling in the rural areas. This holds true in remote public elementary and high schools in impoverished Ifugao. A case in point is the Eastern Potia National High School. The annex section is in dire need of four more classrooms to undercut the congestion problem. What’s most heartbreaking is seeing students cramped up in a classroom like sardines, or the teacher unable to even know the names of 80 or more students in his or her classroom. It led me to ask: Why is government making the young suffer?
Helping young people understand and enjoy the comforts of modern learning facilities is important, as younger generations are likely to face ever-increasingly complex technologies. They are also most likely to have to bear more responsibilities in the not-so-distant future.
The enrollment is expected to rise in the next two years because of the growing population of the locality.Thus, the mounting call for the construction of a two-story school building there should be supported. The proposed facility shall accommodate four classrooms. I expect substantive action from Ifugao Rep. Solomon Chungalao to the people’s call for funding assistance to the amount of Php4 million for the construction of the same.
I see no reason whatsoever for Congressman Chungalao not to support the noteworthy cause of realizing the long-cherished dream of having this all-important facility. After all, Congressman Chungalao is widely acknowledged as a leading voice for modernization of the country’s public school system. He has a tangible record of accomplishments even from his previous stint at the House of Representatives. Likewise, Congressman Chungalao is genuinely emphatic towards the poor and marginalized sectors of society.
The affirmative action of Congressman Chungalao is indeed a powerful sign that there is someone in Congress who is ready not just to plug holes in a sinking ship called MV Ifugao public school, but create a new and better ship.
Henceforth, the construction of the two-story school building for the said government-operated learning institution is a step in the right direction to bring young learners and their hardworking and dedicated mentors much, much closer to the best educational institutions in the Philippines (most of them are in Metro Manila or the National Capital Region), all accessible for economically disadvantaged villagers in far-away places.
All told, the second district of the province, in particular, and Ifugao, in general, is so fortunate to have Board Member Clemente Bongtiwon at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. He has the courage to fight for what is right and is steadfast on his commitment to promote the well-being of the education sector’s stakeholders. Board Member Bongtiwon authored the resolution for the assistance of Congressman Chungalo on this matter.
The project should involve the construction of a world-class school building with two floors and necessary infrastructure such as possibly a library.
Firm and decisive leadership pushes forward policy reforms. I am very confident that Congressman Chungalao shall swiftly and decisively act on this matter. And hopefully, the request can be approved by all concerned parties.
Maybe, other provincial government officials should extend their support too. They should have a hand in creating countless opportunities for youngsters in their journey for a brighter tomorrow. It is indeed the right time to rehabilitate, upgrade and expand the aging public schools of Ifugao. Let’s stand with Eastern Potia National High School. The development of this project should be a part of the Department of Education’s multi-school strategy designed to decongest public elementary and high schools in Ifugao.
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Efforts should earnestly be pursued by Ifugao Rep. Solomon Chungalao, Governor Jerry Dalipog, Vice Governor Glenn Prudenciano, Board Member Orlando Addug, Mayor Edralin Alipio, Vice Mayor Agapito Dominguez Jr., well-meaning individuals in the tourism council as well as in the private sector and even former governor Denis Habawel to construct an airport in Alfonso Lista town.
It is easy to understand that issues affecting the proposed plan can be addressed by actively seeking the support and assistance of President Duterte through the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program of his administration.
Likewise, it is high time for Mayor Alipio to actively pursue the construction of a corn processing facility since this town is widely acknowledged as the “corn granary of the Cordillera Administrative Region and northern Luzon.”
Consequently, Alfonso Lista should put up an economic zone (eco zone). I’m referring, of course, to honest-to-goodness eco zone, worth at least Php30 billion. It may be an agro-industrial or tourism eco zone. An Alfonso Lista eco zone will be then connected by an airport. Investors are likely to transfer their investments here. A presidential proclamation is required for the development of an eco-zone. All told, the eco zone and an airport shall surely have a big impact on finally propelling growth and development in Ifugao and poverty reduction. Sadly, Ifugao is still one of the poorest provinces in the country.
Instead of focusing on the “Gotad” and “Kulpi” festivities where the provincial and local governments, respectively, earn a few thousands of pesos, Ifugao bigwigs in official circles should “think” of gaining millions and millions of revenues.
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Board Member Agustin Calya-en sought last year through Resolution 2019-321, the assistance of National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. the amount of Php190,000,000 for the road improvement of the road along Guimhong, Tinoc to Sitio Nampaling of Namal in Asipulo town of Ifugao, I commend him for his noteworthy action. It is a vital road project intended to improve the conditions of the people, most of them are poor, in these two towns. It shall also ensure the maintenance of peace and order.
Ironically, a copy of the said resolution is nowhere to be found in Board Member Calya-en’s office. Mind you, he is the principal author of this all-important measure.
And since a resolution or ordinance emanated from the board member who authored it in the first place, his or her office must make sure there is a file copy of the same thus, making it quickly available to the public, if needed. Under optimal conditions, keeping a file copy is considered more efficient method of keeping in tab of records than going to another office. If I’m in need of the said resolution, need I go to the office of Board Member Joselito Guyguyon or Board Member Orlando Addug for a copy? If so, that’s outlandish!
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February is not just the month of celebrating “Valentine’s Day” in the Philippines and worldwide. In Ifugao and elsewhere, it should be the time for Filipinos to think of “love of country.” Elections for local and national officials are scheduled in 2022. Various positions are at stake, including the president and vice president. The terms of President Duterte and Vice President Robredo end in 2022. Filipinos, therefore, should elect leaders with a political will, a very clear vision for the country and endowed with energy, drive, competence, experience and compassion.
This year is simply the most opportune time to educate the people on the vitality of putting into office a proportionate number of men and women. Simply put, proper and proportionate number of candidates in an election is essential thus, it should be proportionally women. This is the time to be on the lookout, to scout and actively recruit women leaders from the professionals, middle class nongovernment organizations and people’s organizations and underrepresented sectors. Otherwise, you’ll end up with more of the same in 2022. Particularly, in Ifugao with one or two women councilors in a town and that’s ridiculous, to say the least. Look at the capital town of Lagawe, there is extremely high rejection rate of women candidates by incredibly stupid voters in local polls. There were three women aspirants, all lost in the last elections.
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For our food delights corner: Appetizer or dessert side is certainly great with Strawberry Shortcake at the table. With the famous crowd-drawer Panagbenga Festival of Baguio City just around the corner, bring out the greatness of Strawberry Shortcake. Make sure it is topped with Benguet Shogga Strawberries. Soaked with rich milk mixture, this cake is a priceless treat for the family or loved ones at lunch, dinner or merienda time. Don’t forget to pray for this blessing and the wonders of baking.
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Once in a while, I’m still hearing Christmas songs. Some major thoroughfares are still lighted with Christmas décor. The lanterns at Alfonso Lista municipal hall covered court are also still there. Indeed, the longest Christmas season celebration is in the Philippines!
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Blooper in Ifugao: A woman is asking a vendor why a Red Lady variety of papaya is cheap and the purported Blue Lady papaya variety is expensive and not available in the market. The vendor replied: “Former First Lady Imelda Marcos bought it and it is not for sale.”
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Finally, here are some thoughts for our dear readers: “Where your treasure is, treasure also lies your heart.” Mt 6:21
“Pedicab kaba? PEDICABang i-date sa Valentine’s Day?” Late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago **
