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Ifugao Rice Terraces soon to be rehabilitated

A re-elected lawmaker is determined to pursue in the 16th Congress a measure

implementing the Ifugao Rice Terraces Rehabilitation and Preservation Plan to

immediately restore the increasingly deteriorating Ifugao Rice Terraces.

Rep. Teddy Brawner Baguilat, Jr. (Lone District, Ifugao), who authored House Bill

5692, said there is a need for a collective act to save Ifugao Rice Terraces, now in a critical

state, through a legislation that provides for a long-term rehabilitation and preservation

plan.

This proposed law shall ensure that in both the short-term and the long-term, this

national treasure, the Ifugao Rice Terraces, shall always be protected, Baguilat said.

The measure, also known as the Ifugao Rice Terraces Rehabilitation and

Preservation Act, shall support and promote the sustainable development goals for the

province through proper conservation, utilization and development of natural resources to

provide optimum yields on a continuing basis.

According to Baguilat, the Ifugao Rice Terraces is one of the priceless legacies thatthe country is showcasing to the world.

It is a reflection of the Filipino ingenuity as it highlights one of mans best

engineering achievements without forced labor, a feat that gave its recognition as one of

UNESCOs World Heritage Sites, Baguilat said.

However, the Ifugao Rice Terraces is increasingly deteriorating due to events

caused by nature and man, its state has continuously worsened and is at risk of becoming

merely a part of human history, Baguilat, Jr. said.

Under the measure, the Ifugao Rice Terraces Rehabilitation and Preservation Plan

(IRTRPP), a comprehensive framework for the immediate rehabilitation of the Ifugao Rice

Terraces shall foster its sustainable development compatible with conserving and

protecting the natural resources of the province.

The already existing Ifugao Rice Terraces Conservation and Protection Masterplan

will be integrated.

The IRTRPP shall guide the local government of Ifugao and the government

agencies concerned in the formulation and implementation of plans, programs and projects

affecting the province.

NR # 3125

JUNE 5, 2013

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The measure shall establish an Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation System

(EMES) which shall measure the effectiveness of the IRTRPP.

The EMES shall ensure a systematic and reliable means of data generation for the

various concerns of the IRTRPP by measuring the changes in geological and

environmental status, identify adverse environmental trends and crisis areas, recommend

solutions, assess the implementation of the IRTRPP, and suggest measures to make the

IRTRPP more responsible to the changing needs.

An Ifugao Council for Sustainable Development (ICSD) shall be created for the

governance, implementation and policy direction of the Ifugao Rice Terraces

Rehabilitation and Preservation Plan.

For the implementation of this measure, the amount of P200 million per year for

five years is appropriated for the Ifugao Rice Terraces Rehabilitation and Preservation

Plan.

A supplementary appropriations in the amount of P30 million shall be provided to

the Council from the Presidents Organizational Adjustment Fund.

The Ifugao Rice Terraces (IRT) refers to the Banaue, Hungduan, Kiangan, and

Mayoyao Rice Terraces and other Terraces in Ifugao as may be determined by the Ifugao

Council for Sustainable Development. (30) jsc