(Comval SP Member Uy’s journey to Brgy. Manurigao, New Bataan)
By Fe F. Maestre
New Bataan, Compostela Valley – Sans a chopper or any convenient mode of transportation, Senior Board Member (BM) Tyron Uy choose to brave the long, bumpy and difficult road going to one of the far-flung barangays in New Bataan. Intermittently hiking uphill and downhill for several hours then riding on a single motor, the young legislator wanted to personally experience and see for himself the needs and situation of the tribal villagers.
“I'm not an outdoor climber, not a seasoned backpacker and definitely not the bravest man in town but because of public service, there are some things that I am willing to risk for the benefit of my constituents...I chose what's in my heart and be able to feel and experience the life of our people way beyond our comfort zones,” Uy said.
Manurigao, a predominantly Mandaya tribe, is 36 kilometres away from the main town Cabinuangan of New Bataan or about a 5-hour travel by single motorcycle. This only mode of transportation is also modified with its wheels wrapped in drive chains to help it have more traction on the sandy and gravelly road, it also has a motor trail.
Motor drivers are also a league of their own as they expertly traverse through winding and sometimes treacherous road with the fare ranging from P500-P1,000 each plus a P10/kilo fee for the goods they bring with them.
Aside from the road condition, BM Uy, who heads the Committee on Health and Social Services, also took note of their health concerns.
“It is very hard for the people there who have health issues as they have to travel long distances. What’s more during emergency cases as they might not be able to get to the hospital quickly,” he said.
To date, initial road development plans were already put in place by the local government while work is in progress to answer the need on road access in the area. Meanwhile, after his trip to Manurigao and discussing the town’s issues and concerns, the provincial government commits to conduct medical outreach on September or within the year through the Health Office (PHO).
Welcome sight
Arriving at past 2 in the afternoon of July 14, BM Uy, DepEd-Comval Education Supervisor Ruben Reponte, and the rest of the team were met warmly by the townsfolk. Indeed, a welcome sight among the villagers who seldom meet and see visitors due to the remoteness of the place.
“Di masukod ang among kalipay sa pag-abot nila labi na nga nagselebrar mi sa ika-9th Araw ng Manurigao tungod kay daghan ang misaksi sa among mabulukong selebrasyon,” said Barangay Captain Marcos Lino.
Most especially, he took note of the time and effort exerted by BM Uy’s group just to be with his people and hear their concerns. In fact, the young legislator is the first provincial elected official who ever set foot on this quaint town.
BM Uy, who is also the Education and Information Technology chairman, also commented on the lack of a public high school in the barangay as an aftermath of Typhoon Pablo and, again, has already raised the concern to the Department of Education-Comval.
“We target to re-open (HS) on August this year creating an integrated school for elementary and high school in Manurigao,” Reponte said.
Cultural immersion and nature beckons
And yet despite the difficult road travel, one can’t help but be amazed by the lush greenery and wide mountain range of New Bataan. It is a blissful respite as, along the way, they’re greeted with wild flora, fresh spring water and a picturesque view of nature’s bounty. The fresh air, already crisp and cold, at a height reaching more than 1,500 above sea level (ASL).
And topping it all is the barangay’s pride---the Malumagpak falls. It is about a two-hour trek from Manurigao passing Sitios Tuwali and Biyangungan and has three cascading waterfalls. Each waterfall reaches so high that it will dwarf a person standing below it.
It was also an immersion for the group as they experience Mandaya’s culture and way of life. Their brand of hospitality showing as they tasted the locally produced wine “biya-is,” which is made of wild ginger they call “pangla” and food cooked in bamboo or “lyurot.” All the while, they are entertained with the sweet, haunting music emanating from a flute-like instrument they call “Tuwali.”
“Mao ni ang ginapatugtug sa mga Mandaya kung gikapoy siya gikan sa trabaho, o sa kalaay...kung naa siya sa kaguul ug ingon man sa kalipay o kun naa siya’y gipahinungdan sama sa usa ka babaye,” Teacher Shen, who is an elementary school teacher, explained.
All in all, it was an unforgettable and significant experience for BM Uy as he thanked the people of Manurigao and those who went with him including Councillor Geraldford Balbin and the rest of the group.
“The best part of our journey? It’s the people. Their smiling faces really captivated our hearts and brought us hope--a hope for a better future,” he ended. (Fe F. Maestre/IDS Comval)
"TINDOG COMVAL! WALANG IWANAN!"
