JV Ejercito wants Banaue Rice Terraces to be rehabilitated

Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito expressed concern Monday on the continuous deterioration of the country’s national treasure Banaue Rice Terraces, as he vowed to move for its preservation.

“Ang ganda ng Banaue! Sayang it’s deteriorating. Like Boracay, we need drastic measures to save it. Banaue Rice Terraces is not only a national treasurer, but the 8th Wonder of the World! We need to act and preserve it,” Ejercito said in a message to reporters.

He said he will file a resolution for a hearing on the matter.

He said among the factors that contribute to the deterioration of the 2,000-year-old rice terraces are the informal settlers in the area and the refusal of some younger Ifugaos to engage into farming.

Ejercito visited Ifugao last week and had the opportunity to talk with local officials and farmers the preservation of the rice terraces.

“I will discuss this with my legislative staff. I will ask Sen. Nancy to conduct hearing on environmental audit,” he said, referring to Senator Binay who heads the Senate tourism committee.

He added the hearing could be conducted jointly with the committees on environment and natural resources, and culture.

Banaue Mayor Jerry Dalipog earlier said that Banaue Rice Terraces continues to deteriorate.

In an interview with GMA News in 2017, Dalipog said some owners of land in the rice terraces have left the area despite inheriting the land from their ancestors.

He added that rehabilitating the rice terraces has always been on the table but funds have been limited. — Amita Legaspi/RSJ, GMA News