by Vency D. Bulayungan

MAYOYAO, Ifugao (26 January) -- In recognition and appreciation of the first visit of the Resident Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the officialdom here adopted Mr. Norio Matsuda as son of this municipality.

Resolution Number 2008-03 states that Mr. Matsuda, is an adopted son of this town and is conferred the name "Chumanni Atluna".

According to the resolution, Chumanni Atluna has voluntarily accepted the position as servant leader of the people here to actively cooperate in the Japanese Puppet government.

The adoption rites which was performed at the Mayoyao Hostel here on January 18, 2008 was done by Mayor Romeo Chulana, Vice Mayor Bonifacio Baichon and members of the sangguniang bayan and witnessed by provincial officials led by Governor Teddy Baguilat Jr.

"Chumanni Atluna was instrumental in setting up of schools in Balangbang and Mayoyao Central School wherein the Japanese language and songs were taught and learned by the children," Chulana said. Matsuda is one of the first highest officials of Japan to visit the province.

The JICA-MCH project which promotes mother and child health was instrumental to the elimination of maternal and child deaths. Since its implementation in 2006, the Health Department reported a zero death here