Dutch NGO gives P2.87 M for terraces' restoration

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – The efforts of the Ifugao provincial government to rehabilitate the famed rice terraces got another boost when the Netherlands-based Prince Claus Fund donated P2.87 million for the undertaking.

The donation from the Dutch non-government group was coursed through the National Commission of the Philippines of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which has been assisting the provincial government in restoring the 2,000-year-old terraces, once the country’s major tourism destination.

The grant will fund the restoration of the Batad section of the terraces in Banaue town, including its erosion-prone slope equivalent to 4,428 cubic meters.

The Batad section is one of six sections of the rice terraces declared UNESCO World Heritage Site. The five other sections are in the entire Hungduan town, and in parts of Kiangan, Lagawe and Mayoyao towns.

Several government and non-governmental organizations have pledged to provide assistance for the terraces’ rehabilitation. Earlier, Ifugao Gov. Eugene Balitang said some P200 million was needed to restore the terraces back to their picture-perfect condition.

Erosion and the invasion of giant earthworms have been blamed for the terraces’ continued deterioration. Authorities also noted the seeming lack of concern of younger Ifugaos for the terraces’ upkeep.

Recently, there were reports that small-scale mining activities in the terraces were also jeopardizing the provincial government’s restoration efforts.

The Ifugao Cultural Heritage Office is spearheading the terraces’ rehabilitation through volunteerism, with amid commitments of help from national government leaders.

Recently, the Department of Agriculture pledged to extend some P50 million to rehabilitate irrigation systems in the terraces and put slope protection measures in place.

The provincial government under Gov. Eugene Balitang also has a pending request with the Office of the President for an additional P20 million for the undertaking.

Last year, Sen. Francis Pangilinan and Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat launched the Save the Terraces Movement to help generate support for the restoration of the rice terraces, which UNESCO has placed on its list of endangered heritage sites.