Ifugao's after-harvest tradition worthy of preservation

"Ponnok festival"
credit to Inquirer News

Expressing gratitude for a good harvest has been one of Ifugao's way of giving thanks through series of get-together local games and festivities. One after-harvest highlight for this year is the August 'ponnok festival' in Hungduan, Ifugao where residents wear traditional costumes and parade into a nearby river. The setting is unique since locals do the festival in the river, the sole supplier of irrigation in the rice terraces. Such festival should be preserved by the residents in Ifugao as it is one way of showcasing rich traditions. Its originality can lure tourist arrivals that could help spur economic growth in the province bringing additional income for the villagers.
The two-day festival is participated by villagers of barangays Hapao, Baang, and Nungulunan. It opens with a 'huwa' (community prayer) then followed by an invitation from a 'kadangyan' (usually the wealthiest or most influential person) ordering the villagers to stop working and join the thanksgiving ritual. After that, the 'mombagol' or sometimes called 'mumbaki' (ritual priest) invites the spirits of ancestors and local gods to join the feast with the belief that the rice terraces could produce the same bounty for the next harvest. The priest will then read a good sign from the bile of a sacrificial chicken which signals the drinking of the 'bayah' (rice wine) by the villagers for the rest of the day.
The next day marks the formal opening of the 'guyyudan' (tug-of-war) competition and other local games with a parade spotlighting the 'kinaag' (scarecrow) and 'pakid' (wooden pole with a hook) which would be used in the tug-of-war game. Reaching the river, the villagers of each barangay cheer their players as they perform the competition with their bodies half-soaked in the flowing river current. This year's overall winner is barangay Baang. According to the locals, the 'ponnok festival' is last recorded in 1986 but revived in 1997.#jbnii
Reference: Ifugao native games for good harvest, 9/5/2012

Ifugao police uproots P800T worth of marijuana plants

How marijuana works

The Ifugao police operating troops uprooted a total of 4,400 fully grown marijuana plants in Tulludan, Tinoc, Ifugao last August 27, 2012 in response to calls for eradication on the supply and demand of marijuana production in the province. The prohibited plants were uprooted in an estimated total plantation area of 1,100 square meters with a Dangerous Drug Board (DDB) value of P800,000 pesos.

The success of the operating troops were credited to the dynamic partnerships and coordination among the police force, community people, and municipal and barangay vis-a-vis tanod officials. Police chief inspector Enrique Ennangen said: "the community approach through sustained information and continuing education will certainly address the culture of silence among residents to testify against perpetrators in succeeding operations.The collaborative support of the barangay officials and tanods as force multiplier depicts a good partnership in our relentless campaign on illegal drugs," he said.

After the operation, a certificate was duly signed by Jose Mangibin, Jr., president of Tulludan farmers organization; Leo Ullani, PTA president; and Alejo Dulnuan which proved the veracity of the operation. #jbnii

Reference: Ifugao police raze marijuana fields, 9/01/2012

Most wanted persons in Ifugao arrested



Recent achievements made by the police provincial force combined with local units were highlighted as outstanding due to the successful arrests of two top most wanted persons in the province. The fugitives arrested are both facing arrest warrants for the crime of rape with no bail recommended. 

Philippines' Most Wanted Persons

The first fugitive is a small-scale gold ore mill manager, 52, and a native of Poblacion, Hingyon. He was arrested in Runruno, Nueva Vizcaya through a joint patrol by the Ifugao public safety company led by police chief inspector Allan Guyguyon and Ifugao provincial intelligence branch led by police inspector Ramon Espiritu, Jr.

The second fugitive is a farmer, 42, and a resident of Duit, Kiangan. The arrest was made possible by a composite team from Kiangan municipal police station led by police inspector Christian Salonga and Lamut municipal police station led by senior police officer Luciano Mangulad.

These developments would further attest that no one is above the law; that if the law is to be observed at all times through vigilance and respect for humanity.#jbnii

Reference: Ifugao police arrests 2 top most wanted persons; Aug. 28, 2012.

One-step further for a business-friendly Ifugao

How to start a small business

With the increasing population of the province, it is high time to develop other means of earning money while keeping in mind the promotion of local products available in the 11 towns of Ifugao. As a common knowledge to all Ifugaos, working in the public sector provides low employment percentage compared to the private industry. Also, securing a job in the government is as slim and rigid due to traditional bureaucratic and political practices that has yet to be reformed. Recent economic accomplishments in the province will give opportunities for business-minded people to promote and further enhance their products and services. The promotion of a more customer-friendly province was further initiated by the Department of Trade and Industry through the establishments of CWDs(Consumer Welfare Desks) in some specific locations to cater with the demands of SMEs(Small and Medium Enterprises) including business amateurs and professionals. These CWDs can be found in Poblacion, Banaue at Dreamer's grocery; Poblacion East, Lagawe at IGEMPCO (Lagawe branch); and Poblacion West, Lamut at Lagsadeco Store, NMart gen.mdse., and IGEMPCO (Lamut branch). The aims of CWDs include easier resolution of consumer complaints and an avenue to promote business opportunities. In general, it aims to protect the rights and priveleges of consumers and business owners for better and improved business transactions in the province. #IfugaoPost
Reference: V.D. Bulayungan, DTI-Ifugao establishes consumer welfare desk, Aug. 24, 2012.

Reducing stray animals in the capital town

Stray animals in the Philippines

The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Lagawe, Ifugao has imposed fees and penalties on impounded stray animals. This is in pursuant to the municipality's goal of reducing unwanted animals particularly dogs roaming around the town center causing unsanitary environment and worse, carrying rabies. In a report submitted to PIA, owners whose animals are caught astray and have incurred damages to properties shall pay the fee of PhP200 for the first offense, PhP400 for the second offense, and PhP500 for the third offense (including payment of damages incurred by the astray animal). Let us hope for the success of this policy though it is a big challenge ahead considering cultural backgrounds and social behavior differences. What do you have in mind about this issue?

***Reference: M.L. Lihgawon, Lagawe imposes fees and penalties on impounded stray animals, Aug.15, 2012

1 dead in Ifugao due to typhoon Gener

Probability of rain in Ifugao, Jul.31.2012

Jul.31.2012//.. A landslide that occured in Hingyon, Ifugao during the height of typhoon Gener killed a 15-year old boy. The fatality is identified as Clinton Pablo while on board a motorcycle along with John Paul Pablo who was hurt. As of posting time, seven fatalities were already recorded by the National Risk Reduction Management Council but has yet to include Clinton Pablo. Typhoon Gener affected the whole of Luzon and some parts of Visayas and Mindanao. #jbnii

Mosquito traps can minimize dengue cases in Ifugao

Dengue surveillance - Philippines 2012

Jul.31.2012//..With the initial distribution of mosquito traps by the Department of Education Division Office in all elementary and secondary schools, dengue cases are hoped to be minimized if not eradicated in the whole province. Ovicidal/lorvicidal (OL) mosquito traps were distributed in response to the increasing number of dengue-infected patients. Ifugao recorded the highest number of dengue cases in the region last year, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Mary Jo Dulawan said. She further encouraged everyone to be vigilant and destroy mosquito breeding places. The participation of all citizens is indeed the key factor in solving provincewide diseases such as dengue. #jbnii