Ifugao seeks delisting of rice terraces from WHC danger status

LAGAWE, Ifugao -- The provincial government here is exerting efforts to comply with recommendations of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) to delist the rice terraces from its danger status.

Improvements are being worked out for the rice terraces which has been branded as the 8th Wonder of the World after multi-sectoral groups in the province were tapped to restore the old stature of the stairway-like rice paddies.

Renato Patacsil, project coordinator of Ifugao Culture Heritage Office, said their office has come up with the rice terraces mapping that will delineate the core and buffer zones which is one of the recommendations of the WHC so critical areas will be rehabilitated by the concerned sectors in the province while the better situated areas will simply be preserved for the benefit of sustaining preservation and protection efforts in the rice terraces.

Another activity which the ICHO is undertaking is to address at least 30% of damages through government initiative which will also value the contribution of all farmers and communities around the rice terraces.

Patacsil said the provincial government focused on four heritage sites namely Banaue, Hungduan, Kiangan and Mayoyao which were identified as major heritage sites that warrant the preservation of existing rice terraces.