Kenney promises US help in restoring Banaue terraces despite Julia Campbell slay

BAGUIO CITY – US Ambassador Kristie Kenney announced here Tuesday the United States government was eager to support a program to preserve the famous man-made Ifugao Rice Terraces. Ifugao Gov. Teodoro Baguilat Jr. welcomed help from the US in restoring the famed Ifugao Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“I am honored that the US ambassador has shown interest in supporting efforts to preserve the indigenous culture of the Ifugaos,” Baguilat said Nov. 7.

Kenney who was here to host Veterans Day at the US Ambassador’s Residence in Camp John Hay, said she was going to Banaue next month to “enjoy” the Rice Terraces.

Banaue recently hit the headlines after US Peace Corps volunteer Julia Campbell was killed while visiting the famous site.

The US Embassy has been monitoring the case now being heard in an Ifugao court.

But Kenney said the Campbell family from Fairfax, Virginia (USA) has not harbored any ill feelings against the Ifugaos.

“All the Campbell family feel is love for the Philippines,” she said.

Kenney added the US government is looking forward to preserving the Rice Terraces, specifically in funding a “cultural preservation program.”

“That is a welcome development,” Baguilat said, adding that Ifugaos “are a people once enamored with American governor-generals and anthropologists.”