By Anthony A. Araos
Atop a helicopter on the central portion of the town, Alfonso Lista is distinguished by a scenic landscape. The site also offers magnificent panoramic views of various venues of the forthcoming Ifugao Provincial Athletic Association Meet.
The meet, long considered as the most prestigious sports competition in the province, is an annual event showcasing the skills and talents of the best and finest athletes of Ifugao’s 11 towns.
My estimate: more than 3,000 athletes, coaches, trainers, teachers, principals, officials and guests are gathering in Alfonso Lista. Competition starts on December 4. A date originally scheduled on November 21.
To my mind, this is the best time for Alfonso Lista to welcome local and foreign tourists.
They and the visiting competitors from the ranks of public elementary and high schools as well as privately-operated high schools (Ifugao Private Schools Athletic Association) are certainly in for a wonderful surprise. So take time to see many other destinations of the town. For it offers a scenic and delightful vista of green fields and other natural wonders. The town is blessed with a lot of natural attractions. A major attraction, of course, is a corn field.
To sum up, by early December there’s a lot of sports opportunities to see amidst the fascinating natural settings in Alfonso Lista. Participate in these important activities. Yes, a trip will become a very memorable and meaningful experience. A rather short journey from Santiago City can be made via non-airconditioned bus daily. Or take the longer route from Lagawe.
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Think Alfonso Lista, not the competition.
Since 11 towns of Ifugao compete each year for top honors in the Nutrition Awards program, strategies are so important to reign supreme in this upland Cordillera province.
This is why many continue to look into the tried and tested strategies of Alfonso Lista town on its record-setting accomplishments in the just-concluded Cordillera Regional Nutrition Awards program.
Here’s why. Alfonso Lista was adjudged a second year Consistent Regional Outstanding winner on Nutrition CROWN Maintenance Award. While Glenda Kiasao of Barangay Little Tadian of this town, emerged first runner-up in the Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholars.
‘Alfonso Lista also got Special Awards in the Municipalities with concsistent decrease in stunting prevalence for the last three years (2014, 2015 and 2016) category, as well as in the Municipalities with stunting below 10% prevalence for the last three years (2014, 2015 and 2016).
Three barangays (villages) of Alfonso Lista were awarded for their zero prevalence of stunting for 2016. These are Calimag, Laya and Potia.
Barangay Little Tadian was recognized as one of the three Best Barangay Nutrition Committees.
The awards night program was held at Hotel Supreme in Baguio City.
I supposed Alfonso Lista’s great success is easily attributed to the not-your-usual nutrition scholars. They’re all outstanding public servants.
I hate to even say this. In a provincial level Nutrition Awards competition, the focal point is relegated in the battle for second and third places. Undoubtedly, Alfonso Lista is a hands-down winner.
It is a gargantuan task and an ambitious dream of beating Alfonso Lista, but for those who persevere, great dreams can still come true.
There is a lot of catching up chores for the other ten municipalities of this impoverished province. Apart from Alfonso Lista, Hingyon’s four villages, a village in Lamut and five villages in Mayoyao were awarded in the Barangays with zero prevalence of stunting for 2016. How about the capital town of Lagawe? Sadly, it is nowhere in the list. It has 20 villages, yet not one made it into the said list.
I’m raising the foregoing thoughts to help the people understand and realize the seriousness of the problem on stunted growth. As it connotes, a kid’s mental growth is impeded. For short, he or she no longer mentally grows. In other words, it is terribly wasted. What to do to save these undernourished children then think that with God’s help and by the kind-hearted and generous people are touched to help provide the much-needed funds for a feeding program.
Interestingly, Baguio’s Imelda Dagupon (of Barangay Imelda Village) has bagged the regional Outstanding BNS Award in 2016 and 2017. In 2016, Agnes Bulintao (of Barangay Poblacion in Hingyon, Ifugao) placed first runner-up. Any hint why Ifugao is a mere perennial second placer? It is like cracking a riddle or puzzle. To provincial government officials: I’m most willing to help you guys develop viable strategies and solutions to challenges and problems.
For starters: provide hazard pay to a BNS in remote villages! That is not a tall order. The lack of concern for the welfare of a BNS is a fatal defect. The utter disregard of the well-being of a BNS cannot be justified by harking on an argument that funds are not enough. Budgetary priorities are not meant to frustrate the ends of work compensation. Rather, they serve to effect the equitable disposition of incomes and thus effectively ensure decent living conditions. It means taking care of the needs of a BNS!
Be nutrition conscious. It’s high time to elevate the standards of Ifugao’s barangay councils in the all-important task of winning the war against malnutrition. How about setting forth a grade or rate system? For example, of a rating of “very high,” “high,” “fair,” “mediocre,” “low,” and “very low.”
Without a doubt, Alfonso Lista shall register a “very high” grade.
Concededly, Alfonso Lista is a powerhouse in the field of nutrition program.
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Alfonso Lista’s hosting of the prestige-laden Provincial Meet and the numerous awards of the town in the recent Cordillera Regional Nutrition Awards program were simply additional feathers to the cap of this predominantly agriculture town not too far from Santiago City in Isabela.
Governor Pedro Mayam-o, Vice Governor Jose Jordan Gullitiw and the ten Board Members should now reflect on how responsive leadership and good works, such as the implementation of well-meaning sports and nutrition programs in the grassroots level, impact on the well-being of the people and the common good.
Good governance works in Alfonso Lista. A leader who has a strong and firm hand in exercising political will is in a position to stimulate, inspire and motivate a dynamic and hardworking people to actively take part in spurring the town’s economic growth and development.
Truly, Alfonso Lista is in good hands. For the nobility of his work, I laud Mayor Glenn Prudenciano for his indispensable role in ensuring positive social change and empowerment of the people, most especially the poor. These impacts will surely be experienced most strongly in socioeconomically disadvantaged sectors, particularly those in low- and middle-income brackets of society where social safety nets are less likely to be present. To Mayor Prudenciano: Keep up the excellent work! God bless and Mabuhay!
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What has Flavia Abuday got in common with the best principals in Metro Manila, Baguio City and Cebu City? Mrs. Abuday, Southern Hingyon National High School principal, has the dedication and commitment to empower the young with the knowledge, skills and qualifications to contribute to nation-building.
I met her when I spoke briefly at the Teachers Day celebration program of the Hingyon District at the Piwong Elementary School gymnasium, where I underscored the need to have a clear roadmap that will make mentors live more comfortably amidst the high cost of living.
I have seen a lot of interest in improving school facilities here and there’s a high degree of interest on the part of Mrs. Abuday. It is a responsibility of the government to improve, rehabilitate and modernize these worn-out, outdated and unwanted facilities.
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For our food delights corner: It’s time to have steamed fish fillet with sweet and sour sauce. For a perfect combination: there’s fried rice, Shanghai lumpia and corn with crab meat soup.
For appetizers: vanilla cake, bananas and chilled pineapple juice.
You know what else is important at the table by lunch or dinner time? How about steamed vegetables, no less? Add mayonnaise and raisins. It’s a fulfilling treat because it retains the natural flavors of the veggies with an added touch of creativity.
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“In the Philippines, politics is dominated by two kinds of clowns: rich clowns and poor clowns hoping to become rich.” A quote from the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago
“Healthy people do not need a doctor, but sick people do.” Jesus Christ in a message to a large crowd composed of Pharisees, tax collectors and his disciples. (Gospel: Mt 9:9-13)
“Never too old to learn, never too late to turn.” Liu Xiang, a distinguished historian during the Han Dynasty in China
“The kingdom of God has drawn near to you.” Gospel Lk 10:3-12**
