Women in tourism, the time has come

By Anthony A. Araos

The numbers are certainly impressive in so far as the tourist arrivals in places like Cebu province and Boracay in Central Philippines. Nearly two million tourists visited Cebu last year and close to a million went to Boracay before its closure for a much-needed rehabilitation by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
So what about Ifugao? Well, forget it. Over the years, the tourism industry in the province is in a dismal state. Only a few local and foreign tourists are venturing to see and explore destinations in Ifugao, thus, the pressing need for reforms and changes in the tourism program’s blueprint to invigorate the province’s tourism industry.
Hopefully, with new and better incoming officials this year there is a turnaround in the said industry. For now, the focus lies on the enthusiasm and vigor of the women sector in boosting the stock of the tourism industry in this part of the region. Coming from the heels of the Women’s Month celebration in March, isn’t it an opportune time to finally tap or harness the energies of the leaders of the women sector in order to help in drawing the visitors to Ifugao’s attractions whether in Banaue, Asipulo, Kiangan, Mayoyao or Hungduan. Let’s give it a try since Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat has the reputation of working well with sectoral leaders in the rural areas. There is no doubt that woman leaders are important stakeholders of the tourism industry.
Noticeable the tourism industry derives its strength from the women sector. Many of the tourist guides as well as hotel and resort personnel are women. Women endorsers of major projects of the Department of Tourism (DOT) are seen in television and print media.
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A heartfelt greeting to all women as they celebrate Women’s Month this March! Celebrations may be done throughout the year. Make it a point to respect women whole year round.
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Economic deprivation brought about by poverty is still prevalent in Ifugao. This is a major issue in the forthcoming elections in Ifugao’s 11 towns. There is a need to vote for candidates who understand the problem and who are ready to address the causes of the people’s difficulties.
Here’s a valuable advice to the electorate: Study or examine the track records of the candidates for board member in the first and second districts of Ifugao.
For instance, the track record of re-electionist of Board Member Robert Humiwat speaks for itself. Undoubtedly, Board Member Humiwat is a standout. He is an independent candidate in the first district. Presently, Board Member Humiwat is the chairman of the all-important Committee on Budget and Appropriations.
Prior to joining the perplexing world of politics in this side of the world, Humiwat worked with distinction at the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) as principal engineer. He obtained his electrical engineer degree from the National University in Manila. He is also a holder of a master’s degree in business administration from St. Mary’s University in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya.
With that backdrop, may I attest to Board Member Humiwat’s dedication to duty and commitment to reduce poverty incidence in Ifugao.It is another reason to push for the reelection bid of the ever-hardworking lawmaker from Lamut. What kind of message are we sending if Mr. Humiwat is not given a fresh mandate to serve the people because of largely silly and ridiculous allegations raised by detractors in the handling of the provincial government’s budget at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Ironically, his critics were nowhere around while Board Member Humiwat and some of his colleagues were carefully going over each item of the 2019 budget. What’s wrong if Board Member Humiwat made sure that everything else went above board? Frankly, I’m impressed of Board Member Humiwat’s emphasis on knowledge systems in preparing, reviewing and approving the budget.
Board Member Humiwat authored the landmark “Tertiary Education Assistance Program (TEAP) Ordinance” in 2004, which outlined the provision of financial assistancde to poor byt deserving secondary graduates of the province. The ordinance’s co-author was Board Member Nora Dinamling, who is staging a political comeback in the coming polls for the same position. Students, parents, teachers and other stakeholders commended him for such initiative.
Humiwat, 60, actively supports the economic, social and cultural rights of indigenous peoples.
In the annals of Ifugao history, Board Member Humiwat already has earned a rich place for himself as an outstanding public servant. This worked well in 2016 when Humiwat also threw his hat in the political arena as an independent candidate. Key leaders of nongovernment organizations (NGOs) and people’s organizations (POs) have lauded Humiwat’s invaluable contributions to the province.
It is hoped and prayed that Board Member Humiwat gets reelected, along with six new faces at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to convert Ifugao from a backward agricultural province to a leading industrial might to effect full modernization and to transform the very nature of society. It is high time to end the fanaticism of backwardness among Ifugao folks.
Further, I’m looking for Board Member Humiwat to assuming the chairmanship of the Committee on Education and Public Information at the next Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Along with presumptive Board Members Samson Atluna (from the second district) and Dinamling, Board Member Humiwat should author an ordinance amending the TEAP ordinance for the purpose of increasing the amount earmarked for the financial assistance to cash-strapped students. With the high cost of living it is simply impossible for the 3,000 pesos allocation to cover miscellaneous fees.
To further spread the good news about this important development, I’m also encouraging the young to tap the social media in order to strengthen the cause of ensuring the reelection of Board Member Humiwat.
After laying down the premises why the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is in dire need of competent officials, instead of clowns and crooks, may I express my gratitude to Board Member Humiwat for his excellent actions to ensure quality legislation and unmatched attendance record. I feel terribly bad and sorry and very disappointed for the Sangguniang Panlalawigan individuals that ended up as nonperforming assets.
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With respect to the Duterte administration much-heralded “Build, Build, Build” program in the infrastructure front, negligible amount of funds are being allotted to Ifugao, a province where rampant poverty is still a major concern.
In reality, folks are only being benefitted by rather small-time projects thus, this ambitious BBB program is instead being called “Barya, Barya, Barya” (“loose change” only) program. Sadly, most of the “Build, Build, Build” projects are focused in Mindanao or Southern Philippines, particularly in the Chief Executive’s home province and region encompassing Davao City. The “zero budgets” practice of then House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez took its heavy toll on Ifugao because of the fact that Ifugao Rep. Teodoro Baguilat Jr. is an arch-critic of President Duterte. It created a precedent that gravely diminishes the essence that Ifugao folks themselves are taxpayers thus, are legitimate recipients of the same. Yet, they were deprived of their benefits. Both the neglect of Ifugao’s pressing needs by the officialdom and now the attempt to play the so-called “President’s Men” here in the May 13, 2019 midterm polls underscore the issue of human folly.
It is necessary to review history from the perspective of patronage politics in Malacanan Palace to persist in the next three years. This is surely not in the best interest of Ifugao, even if incoming officials of the province are allied to the ruling PDP-Laban party but, to the BangsaMoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). A case in point, thousands of government employees were laid-off recently to give way to newly-created positions at the BARMM. Will the President’s men be able to bring a kilo of rice to the table of poor Ifugao folks? When the Palace’s eyes are still concentrated in rebuilding war-torn Mindanao, particularly Marawi City?
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Siomai, siopao and black gulaman, all Chinese snack time favorites, are no longer inaccessible to Lagawe residents with the recent opening of an outlet of the popular Food Street Zone.
This fast food joint just got closer to folks here as its proud owner Zean Basilio opted to bring Food Street Zone’s all-day delights right in time for the summer season. So it is surely a great way of beating the summer heat with a glass of chilled black gulaman.
For one, the combination of siomai and black gulaman is a definite winner.
Centrally located at Barangay Poblacion West, the Food Street Zone outlet offers not only reasonably-priced food fare but also friendly and courteous services.
It is for this reason that Ms. Basilio, who also owns another restaurant in this capital town, is now a member of the country’s franchise sector. By doing so, she has also taken advantage of the abundance of opportunities opening to today’s globalized economy. Amidst changing consumer behavior and attitude, Food Street Zone is expected to elevate standards of preparing food items in this part of the region. Henceforth, Ms. Basilio is up to the task of meeting the opportunities and challenges in an integrated global economy. Most Ifugao folks are still unfamiliar with the ASEAN integration program. With her strong acumen in business, soon she’ll join the ranks of the established franchisors in the Philippines.
There’s something new taking place at Lagawe. Check it out soon right there at Food Street Zone.
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Blooper in Ifugao: A friend of mine who works in the provincial government in Lagawe said that Ifugao is on its way of topping this year’s staging of the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) Meet in Luna, Apayao. Immediately, I asked him how and why? Without blinking his eyes, my friend said: “I don’t know!” So I told him the only way for that scenario to take place is for Baguio City and Benguet province to withdraw from the prestigious competition. “Well, that’s what I was about to tell you,” he retorted. “I’ll tell that to the others,” he added. Probably so, Ifugao shall emerge on top of the standings. Anyhow, my friend forgot there’s still host Apayao, Mountain Province and Kalinga provinces to hurdle.
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For our food delights corner: This is a great time to serve sizzling sisig to your family and loved ones at the table during lunch time. It is really great for the summer season. Make sure there is steamed rice enriched with butter, complement it with fried fish like bangus (milkfish) and achara on the side. For appretizers and dessert: mangoes, vanilla cake and chilled apple juice. Just don’t forget to pray for the blessings from the Almighty Creator. You’ll get more in the days to come. Mark my word for it.
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Finally, some thoughts for our readers: “My Word will brighten your steps and light your path.” Ps 119:105
“There is no place you can go to escape My presence.” Ps 139:7-10
“When you walk through the fires of adversity, you will not be burned.” Is 43:2**