DA to help save Ifugao Rice Terraces

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya ,Philippines  – The Department of Agriculture (DA) would help in the rehabilitation of the Ifugao Rice Terraces.

DA Secretary Proceso Alcala said he is visiting Ifugao next week to assess what his department can contribute in the restoration of the terraces, some sections of which has been beset by erosions, aggravated by the recent typhoons.

“We’ll repair the rice terraces. I have already ordered the conduct of a study to determine how much the repair will cost,” Alcala was quoted as saying in a forum on Saturday.

Ifugao Gov. Eugene Balitang earlier said they need at least P200 million to restore the collapsed portions of the terraces in the towns of Banaue, Kiangan, Mayoyao and Hunguan.

However, the cost of the rehabilitation ballooned as recent typhoons worsened the state of the Rice Terraces.

Alcala said they would employ indigenous methods and organic farming to restore the terraces.

The Ifugao Rice Terraces have been recognized as one of the world’s heritage sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which likewise declared them as endangered as a result of their deteriorating state.

The continued burrowing of giant earthworms in its paddies is also aggravating soil erosion in the rice terraces.

Sen. Francis Pangilinan and Ifugao Rep. Teodoro Baguilat have launched the “Save the Ifugao Terraces” movement to drum up local and international support for the rehabilitation of the rice terraces.

“For 2,000 years, the terraces have helped to shape the culture, identity, and livelihood not only (the Ifugaos), but also of the Filipino people. They have become symbols of our ingenuity and vision. We cannot allow the Rice Ter­races, as well as these values, to be eroded over time,” Pangilinan said.