Metro Infanta Foundation

From Amb. Rudy Arizala

The piece and photo on th wise utilization of the Agus River elicited a positive response from a kababayan of ours, now a U.S. citizen and residing in the United States. Despite his illness -- having to undergo Dialysis three times a week -- he plans to go to the Philippines sometime next year and savor once more the scent, sight and life in his native town of Infanta, Quezon. He wants to re-establish his roots and once more bathe in the cold, crystal clear waters of Agus River, where, during his boyhood and as a young man he used to swim or spend many happy moments with friends. He would like to do it before that river becomes a mere memory , in view of the plan of the government to construct two big dams -- at Agus Kaliwa (upstream) and another dam at Agus Kanan (downstream).

From MIla Glodava

Amb. Arizala's article also reminded this wrtier on the wonderful boating trip we had on Agus River in 2002, a year befoer the new bridge became a reality. Amb. Arizala and I went to Nakar to distribute our then newly-publisehd book, "Labong ng Kawayan," and we were treated by the Mt. Carmel High School students to a rousing reception, which drowned out the downpour that same day. It was the very firist time I visited Nakar and what a visit. Never once during my childhood days did I ever go to Gen. Nakar and now I realize what a tremendous loss it was for me.

I hope we don't lose the beautiful panoramic view of the Agus River and Gen. Nakar.

Mt. Carmel High School students gave us a rousing impromptu entertainment drowning out the monsoon rain as soon as we entered the classrooms.

Remember when one has to take these steep steps down to the ferry boat to cross the Agus River back to Infanta? If the boal was across the river, passengers used to holler, "hapitin po" (please fetch).

In 2003, the wooden steps were replaced by a concrete bridge, yet easily destroyed by nature''s wrath and the man-made calamity of 2004.