NCIP stops construction of Banaue parking building

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  – The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) has ordered the municipal government of Banaue in Ifugao province to stop the construction of a P55-million parking building.

In an order dated Sept. 14, the NCIP issued a 72-hour temporary restraining order (TRO) on the construction of the seven-story structure on a property located near the rice terraces.

NCIP-Cordillera hearing officer Brain Masweng scheduled a hearing on a petition seeking to stop the project, to resolve the issue.

The petitioners claimed the parking building would ruin or block the view of the Banaue Rice Terraces, which is considered to be a world heritage site.

The NCIP ordered Banaue Mayor Jerry Dalipog, the municipal council, and the Wangjo Construction, represented by Jonas Wangiwang, to explain why the 72-hour TRO should not be extended.

The municipal government and the contractors vowed to respect the ruling of the NCIP.

Dalipog said the municipal government complied with all the rules and regulations in the planning, programming and implementation of the project, which was meant to provide convenience to motorists and tourists who visit the town.