Agri Dept. allots P10M more for Banawe rice terraces rehab

To expand production of traditional or heirloom rice varieties for both domestic and export markets, the Department of Agriculture is allotting additional funding of P10 million this year to rehabilitate the Banawe Rice Terraces.   The focus is on restoring the terrace walls and irrigation canals in Barangay Batad, Banawe in Ifugao province, the department noted in an e-mailed statement Wednesday, saying the target is to compete the restoration works by June 30. The Agriculture Department led the Banawe rice terraces restoration, starting in March 2012, shelling out P24.3 million for the project cost estimated at P26.5 million. The department said Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala spearheaded the restoration project after visiting Ifugao on November 25, 2011. Also pitching in to shoulder the expenses this time are the provincial government of Ifugao, Department of Social Welfare and Development, municipal government of Banawe, and Barangay Batad. Apart from the normal wear-and-tear syndrome, parts of the Batad terraces were damaged by Typhoons Pedring and Quiel in 2011. The P10 million allotment is expected to enhance the development and raise the output of traditional upland or heirloom rice varieties like tinawon, unoy, and dalican, said Agriculture Assistant Secretary and National Rice Program Coordinator Dante Delima. The amount will fund several projects and initiatives proposed by Cordillera rice farmers.   DA-Cordillera director Marilyn Sta. Catalina will help farmers identify, assess, verify, and consolidate project initiatives into the regional framework and financial planning for 2013. — VS, GMA News