Ifugao farmers share rice-terracing technique

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Ifugao farmers are teaching their fellow farmers and other interested groups nationwide their technique in building rice terraces, a lawmaker said yesterday.

Ifugaos have inspired agricultural workers in Arakan, North Cotabato, who are now working on their own rice terraces and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Ifugao Rep. Teodoro Baguilat Jr. hailed the efforts of Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso Alcala to bring the terracing technology to other areas of the country.

Baguilat said the technology would not only boost food production in the area, but would also attract tourists.

“The Ifugao people are very happy to provide assistance in improving the rice terrace farming technology in Cotabato and in other provinces that want to have their own terraces,” he said.

The lawmaker said the technology integrates agriculture, slope protection and tourism needs in one ecosystem.

The Ifugaos also welcome the support of DA in rehabilitating the original rice terraces in Ifugao.

The DA has allocated P20 million to help Batad, which is famous for its amphitheater terraces.

“My hope is that the DA will be able to infuse additional funds for the rehabilitation of other terraces clusters in Ifugao. In doing so, it would also be supporting organic agriculture,” Baguilat said.

He said he would also seek additional funds for the construction of farm-to-market roads to help transport organic rice and vegetables from the mountains.