Les-eng Rice Terraces: Kibungan’s ‘hidden treasure’

 

LES-ENG, Batangan, Wallayan, Culiang and Lanipew Rice Terraces

 

Eco-tourism

 

Nilo P. Cacay 

KIJBUNGAN, Benguet – In the mountains of Kibungan, Benguet, lies a breathtaking yet little-known wonder—the Les-eng Rice Terraces. Unlike the famous terraces of Ifugao, Les-eng remains untouched by mass tourism.

To get there, one must be willing to embark on a challenging trek, winding through steep trails and pine-covered slopes. But for those who make the journey, the reward is an unforgettable view of lush green terraces carved into the mountainside—evidence of the community’s deep connection to the land. Photo: Cacay Nilo.

More than a scenic view, Les-eng is not just a place to admire; it’s a living testament to the hard work and ingenuity of the indigenous people. For generations, farmers here have cultivated traditional rice varieties such as sampuling, miracle, diket, bongkitan, dinara, palgay, and balatinao, grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

These terraces are more than farmland, they are a way of life, passed down from ancestors who carefully shaped the landscape to sustain their families. The long and extreme trail getting to Les-eng isn’t that easy.

The trek can take up to six to eight hours, depending on the weather and the hiker’s pace. If you have a vehicle, you get there to Tacadang for five hours from La Trinidad Benguet then have a 2-hour walk to arrive at Les-eng.

The trail winds through deep forests, steep ridges, and narrow footpaths, sometimes revealing stunning rock formations and waterfalls along the way like what they called, The Crying Mountain.

Despite the difficulty of the journey, it is worth considering as you can have memorable experience. Every step offers a glimpse into the untouched beauty of the Cordillera Mountains.

The people of Tacadang, where Les-eng is located, live simple yet fulfilling lives. They rely on farming, and traditional hunting, using what nature provides rather than modern conveniences.

A local farmer once joked that he felt shy for serving freshly cooked native chicken to his guest. He thought that canned sardines is better to have than the native chiken but you know that this native chicken is more organic and safe to consume than the process sardines.

This humility and deep appreciation for homegrown food show the Tacadang people’s strong sense of self-sufficiency. Preserving the Cultural and Traditions Treasure Though Les-eng remains largely undiscovered, local leaders and residents are becoming aware of the possible potential that it offers in an ecotourism destination.

They hope that if visitors come, they will respect their land and culture. They believe that tourist could help preserve their way of life while allowing them to witness the beauty of the terraces without causing harm.

Les-eng Rice Terraces were crafted 100 years ago some of it were during the World War 2. During that time famine occurs vegetables and fruit were difficult to grow but because of their resiliency they were able to adopt other methods of farming that’s when they discover and start to build those stairway rice fields.

Les-eng Rice Terraces is more than just a beautiful destination. It is a piece of history, a symbol of resilience and bravery. And a reminder that some of the world’s greatest wonders are found in the most unexpected places.

We are not just aware that there were places like this that just within our backyard. To  individuals seeking for adventure, culture and breathtaking views, Les-eng is waiting to be discovered. – (Nilo P. Cacay is a student of the Benguet State University)  

 

 

 

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Tagel campaigns for revival of customary politics in Benguet

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- For decades, campaigning in Benguet was a friendly competition. Candidates may have had differing opinions and strategies on how to address issues in the province but dirty politics was unheard of then, according to observers.

Old folks say this practice that is rooted from indigenous practices suddenly changed in recent years, however.

Gone are the days when opposing camps campaigned together and even shared resources to buy food which they eat with the community, they say.

The political scene in the province has changed and turned into personal rivalry not only among the candidates but even among their supporters, they add.

 Running on a platform of land, values, people, One Benguet, a socio-political movement, intends to bring back the customary political practices in the province.

Vice Gov. and One Benguet congressional candidate Ericson “Tagel” Felipe said while culture is dynamic and changes over time, he said there are practices that should remain. This includes preserving the positive values of the i-Benguets.

“Culture is dynamic. It changes but traditions should remain kasla diay tongtongan wenno tavtaval”, Felipe said, adding the tongtongan or tavtaval is a form of a participatory government for it allows community members and leaders to deal with issues cordially.

 “Nagpintas ti panagkakadua tayu ti pulitika. Ma-discover tayu pay ketdi nu sinnu pay ti dadduma nga kakabagian tayu”, Felipe said, recalling the past political exercises of the province where kinship played a huge role why Benguet was able to sustain a peaceful political atmosphere.

 Running on a platform of land, values, people, Felipe and One Benguet said clean politics devoid of any demolition jobs is one of the indigenous values they want to sustain in Benguet.

Ahead of the campaign period in March, Felipe urged his supporters to always be civil and avoid attacking members of opposing camps.

 In his speaking engagements, Felipe said one’s fate, whether in politics or in other aspects in life, is determined by the Almighty.

 In his speaking engagements, Felipe reminds his audience about the long-held tradition in Benguet -- that politics in the province is fair game.

 He said there should be no mudslinging and nothing should be taken personally. Felipe stressed that the end of the day, they are still one community.

“Let us leave it to God. Ti importante, saan tayu nga aga-apa”, the Vice Governor said.

 Felipe is the congressional candidate under One Benguet, a socio-political movement, and is running on a platform of land, values, people. -- Elijah

 

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BSU eyes 100 has. bamboo forest in La Trinidad town

By Liza Agoot

 

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The Benguet State University here is set to establish about 100 hectares of bamboo forest to support reforestation efforts, the bamboo textile project and engineered bamboo production. 

    Dr. Roscinto Ian Lumbres, BSU vice president for research and extension, in a briefing Tuesday, said the project began in 2024 with the production of propagules that were planted starting this year. 

    He said they used the PHP5 million bamboo development project fund from Senator Loren Legarda for the propagation of planting materials in San Pascual, Tuba, Benguet.

    Initial reforestation sites include a two-hectare area at the Benguet Corp. in Itogon and the BSU compound in the municipality of Mankayan, he said.

    Lumbres said the goal is to plant “bayog” and the “giant” bamboo species in at least 20 hectares this year.

    He added that they are producing the “bayog” and the “giant” bamboo, which are indigenous to the region and the country.

    He said they have teamed up with cooperatives to be more productive, noting that they have inked a memorandum of agreement with the manufacturer of the engineered bamboo in support of the wood industry. 

    “The BSU project is also part of the regional bamboo initiative that is in support (of) the bamboo production of the Cordillera,” he said.

    Lumbres said they are also developing products, such as soap, using bamboo as raw materials instead of the usual baskets, bags, chairs, tables, and others.

    He also mentioned the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) - Department of Science and Technology (DOST) that established the Bamboo Textile Fiber Innovation Hub at the Abra State University campus in the municipality of Lagangilang, to help boost the country’s bamboo fiber production.

    He said the Japanese government has found interest in the university’s revival of its bamboo forest area during their visit to the school last December.

    “They are coming back next week to finalize the partnership for the bamboo area project,” he said. 

BSU president, Dr. Kenneth Laruan, during the same event, said the project is timely as the university celebrates its 39th charter anniversary this month with the theme “Advancing knowledge, research, technology, and environmental stewardship for a sustainable tomorrow.”

    "What happens in the Cordillera ecological system may affect other regions. That is why there is a need to make some refocus and come up with programs for the environment," he said. -- PNA

 

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Cordillera to produce more doctors to barrios thru BSU

By Liza Agoot

 

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – More doctors will soon be available to serve Cordillerans as Benguet State University (BSU) - College of Medicine here accepts an initial 50 students in the first semester of school year 2025-26.

Dr. Kenneth Laruan, BSU president, said 13 slots will be allocated for students from Benguet. They will later serve far-flung barrios (communities).

“We will prioritize the 13 medical student scholars of Benguet who have passed the screening of the province and will receive a fund for the completion of their studies,” he said in a press conference aired on social media Tuesday.

BSU will be charging P70,000 per semester, which Laruan said is 50 percent lower than in other schools in the region offering the same course.

Laruan said scholarships are also available.

He said the first batch of students under the College of Medicine will use the Nursing Building, but noted that about P120 million has been allocated for the program under this year’s national budget.

Dr. Florence Poltic, BSU medical officer and a member of the Technical Working Group for the College of Doctor of Medicine program, is hopeful that other provinces will also have scholarship for medicine students at BSU. 

She said Kalinga State University is also in the process of establishing a medicine course.

“Maganda iyon lalo na at may Universal Health Care Law na naglalayong maging accessible sa lahat ang medical services (That is good news especially with the Universal Health Care law that aims to make medical services accessible),” she added. -- PNA

 

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SN Aboitiz Power provides more benefits to Itogon IPs

By Lloyd Revilla

 

ITOGON, Benguet -- Renewable energy provider SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet, Inc. (SNAP-Benguet) has strengthened its commitment to the indigenous peoples communities here with turnover of additional benefits to the Tinongdan Indigenous Peoples Organization (TINPO)  Dec. 18, 2024, followed by the Itogon Indigenous Peoples Organization (IIPO) on December 23, 2024.

The additional benefits were shared based on a 60-40 split as agreed upon by the IPOs, with TINPO receiving 60%, amounting to PhP3,808,530.00, and IIPO receiving 40%, equivalent to PhP2,539,020.00.

SNAP-Benguet provided PhP5 million for special CSR projects for the first three years, which was allocated to the Tinongdan Indigenous Peoples Organization (TINPO) as agreed upon by both IP groups.

For succeeding years, P1 million will be awarded to barangays as determined by the two IPOs.

The additional benefits – the result of direct negotiations between SNAP-Benguet and the IP organizations (IPOs) – are intended to help the IPOs implement development and capability-programs within their Ancestral Domain, preserve their cultural heritage, and support similar initiatives.

This forms part of SNAP-Benguet’s long-standing partnership with the indigenous cultural communities that host the 140-MW Binga hydroelectric power plant. SNAP-Benguet has committed to providing the Itogon ancestral domain with approximately PhP10.3 million in total benefits annually starting in 2024.

“On behalf of the COELs [Council of Elders], we want to express our gratitude to SNAP for the support,” said TINPO Chieftain Norberto Pacio. “We now have the benefits that we have been waiting for.”

Mrs. Rosita Bargaso, IIPO Chair, said, “Salamat sa SNAP at sana ay magtagal pa ang magandang samahan nating dalawa. (We thank SNAP and hope our partnership lasts even longer.)”

SNAP-Benguet assumed ownership and operation of the Binga hydroelectric facility in 2008 through a successful privatization bid.

Following this transition, the company conducted consultations with the IP communities, which culminated in an agreement to provide benefits through a corporate social responsibility program.

To date, SNAP has provided P37.2 million in benefits to TINPO, reflecting the company’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and empowering its host communities while advancing renewable energy in the region.

SN Aboitiz Power (SNAP) is a joint venture of Scatec and Aboitiz Power Corporation (AP).

Scatec is a leading renewable energy solutions provider, accelerating access to reliable and affordable clean energy in emerging markets. As a long-term player, they develop, build, own and operate renewable energy plants, with 4.6 GW in operation and under construction across four continents today. They are committed to growing their renewable energy capacity, delivered by their 800 passionate employees and partners who are driven by a common vision of ‘Improving our Future’. Scatec is headquartered in Oslo, Norway and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ‘SCATC’.

AP is the holding company of the Philippines-based Aboitiz Group’s investments in power generation, distribution, and retail electricity services. It advances business and communities by providing reliable and ample power supply at a reasonable and competitive price, and with the least adverse effects on the environment and host communities.

SNAP owns and operates the 112.5-MW Ambuklao and 140-MW Binga hydroelectric power plants in Benguet; the Magat hydroelectric power plant which has a nameplate capacity of 360 MW and maximum capacity of 388 MW on the border of Isabela and Ifugao; the 8.5-MW Maris hydro; and the 24-MW Magat battery energy storage facility in Isabela. The non-power components such as dams, reservoirs, and spillways are owned, managed, and operated by the government.

 

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Veggies not from Baguio, Benguet sold as highland produce in Phl markets

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- A group of vegetable traders based in this capital town of Benguet warned potatoes and carrots in paper boxes marked as Benguet and Baguio City produce are being sold in vegetable retail markets throughout the country.
    The La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Areas Inc. said paper box packaged vegetable produce are not coming from Benguet nor Baguio City as strewn on the markings of the items.
    The paper boxes were reportedly marked "A.B.C. Baguio.”
    According to the vegetable league, the products are being distributed by unscrupulous individuals in Manila, Sariaya in Quezon and other vegetable retail locations in the country.
    The association said Baguio is not mass-producing potatoes and carrots.
    The group added Baguio City and Benguet are not promoting imported vegetables like carrots and potatoes.
According to the league, the vegetable products are smuggled and were supposed to be confiscated last Nov. 10 by the     Bureau of Customs in Olongapo, Zambales. 
    With this, the traders’ group appealed before government agencies to probe the issue and take appropriate action to stop the practice and protect the country’s farming industry.

 

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Kennon Road opened 2-way to light vehicles

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

TUBA, Benguet -- Kennon Road has been reopened to two-way traffic starting Dec. 24, 2023 upon the approval of the Metro BLISTT (Baguio-La Trinidad-Itogon-Sablan-Tuba-Tublay) Council.
    The reopening was subject to the conditions that only light vehicles (both public and private) weighing ten tons and below will be allowed, the maximum speed limit will be 40 kph and that no parking will be allowed along the stretch.

    Public vehicles include UV Express vehicles plying the Baguio-Rosario route only. 

    Other UV Express vehicles were advised to take alternate routes.

    Since travel resumed, traffic personnel have been manning the road 24/7 to direct traffic and monitor the traffic situation also as part of the conditions.

    In an advisory, the council which is chaired by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong and composed of Benguet Gov, Melchor Diclas, BLISTT mayors and representatives of line agencies said the  decision was reached in a meeting last Dec. 21, 2023 after discussing the post-inspection report of the Joint Inter-Agency Task Force Kennon on the viability of reopening the route subject to road safety measures.

    Following the deactivation of the task force pursuant to a resolution, the council took over the responsibilities relating to the management of Kennon Road on its capacity as the governing board and policy-making body of the soon to be established MBLISTT Development Authority.

    Among the mandates of the MBLISTTDA is the management of traffic and transport within the BLISTT area.

    The MBLISTT council along with the City Peace and Order Council had pressed for Kennon Road's reopening to help ease the traffic problem with the influx of vacationers for the Christmas holidays.

    Road safety measures were requested which included hastening road repair and rehabilitation activities, clearing of obstructions, debris and illegally parked vehicles, and installation of signage and other early warning devices.

    "Kennon Road is one of the major access roads leading to Baguio City and the Province of Benguet and is the shortest route to Rosario, La Union to Baguio City with a total length of 33.7 km but closed to the riding public due to its unsafe state especially aggravated by recent typhoons and earthquakes," the council noted in an earlier resolution.

    "As a result of the closure of Kennon Road, alternate routes to Baguio City and the Province of Benguet have been experiencing heavy traffic at the inconvenience of residents and tourists alike.  Traffic in the alternate routes is only expected to worsen in December, when travel and tourist arrivals are at its peak.   Full reopening of Kennon Road at the soonest possible time, provided that all the foregoing concerns are addressed, will result in multiple benefits that include comfort and convenience of motorists, cost and time savings, decongestion of alternate roads, and reinvigorated economic activity along the route."

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PROCor marksmanship shoot-for-a-cause held; Peredo awards winners

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – The Cordillera Police Regional Office bared winners of the 2nd PRO Cordillera marksmanship enhancement and shoot for a cause here Dec. 27.
    The said shoot fest aimed to raise funds to assist those in need while showcasing skills of participants and gun enthusiasts, the regional police information office said.
    Cordillera police director Brig. Gen. David K. Peredo Jr. with RAGPTD chairman engineer. Eduardo N. Meneses led awarding ceremony of the event.
    Present during the program were deputy regional director for administration Brig. Gen. Joseph G. Allan; deputy regional director for operations Col. Elmer E. Ragay; chief regional staff Col. Julio S. Lizardo, regional staff, including personnel.

    The awardees received r trophies for winning in categories during the event held at the PRO Cordillera firing range Dec. 14–17.
    For the individual category, command group division, Peredo Jr. garnered first runner-up while Lizardo bagged championship title.
    For individual senior PCO category, the champion was Lt. Col. Samson Kimayong while Col. Damina Olsim was 1st runner-up.
    For Junior PCO category, the champion was Capt. Taggart Bagsiyao while 1st runner-up was Lt. Feberick Talingdan.
    For Individual Senior PNCO category, champion was MSg Jiford Sumcad who was also 2nd runner-up in PRO Cordillera Aggregates Division.
    PEMS Joseph Fakat was 1st runner-up, who also was 3rd runner-up in the PRO Cordillera Aggregates Division.
    For the Individual Junior PNCO category, champion was SSg Jessie Bustarde, who was also the champion in the PRO Cordillera Aggregates Division, while the 1st runner-up was awarded to Cpl Kenny Boy Tabayag, who received the same award in the PRO Cordillera Aggregates Division.
    Special award for PCO Lady Shooter was given to Lt. Col. Nancy Mae Rafale while Capt. Brenda Gupaal was 1st runner-up.
    Capt. Rose Golocan was 2nd runner-up.
    Meanwhile, special award for PNCO Lady Shooter as champion was bestowed on Cpl. Mariefe     Dulnuan, while the 1st runner-up was Cpl. Wendelyn Dibaratun.
    Second runner-up was Pat. Rhea Cabesa.
    For PRO Cordillera Aggregates Division, Cpl. Jason Dingcog of BPPO was 4th runner-up.
    For Team Event Category, the champion was awarded to RLDDD, received by Maj. Jeremiah R. Benito, while 1st runner-up was the ORD-2nd team, whose award was received by Capt. Rodolfo M. Mangay-ayam Jr. while 2nd runner-up was the ROD.
    Award was received by Col. Jeremias G. Oyawon.
    For the PPOs and CPO Division, the champion was Benguet Provincial Police Office whose award was received by Col. Damina Olsim.
    The 1st runner-up was awarded to Ifugao PPO, received by Capt. Garry M. Tumitit.
    The 2nd runner-up was Baguio City Police Office, who award was received by Col. Francisco B. Bulwayan Jr.
    For Mobile Force Division, the champion was Ifugao PMFC whose award was  received by Lt. Col. Samson Kimayong.
    First runner-up was Benguet PPO 2nd PMFC with award received by Lt. Col. Rafael Tayaban.
Second  2nd runner-up was Abra PPO PMFC. Award was received by Lt. Feberick Talingdan.
For RSU Division, champion was CARTC. Award was received by Lt. Col. Nancy Mae Rafael.
First runner-up was RECU-Cordillera with award received by Lt. Jeffrey A. Cabinto.
Second runner-up was RIU14 with award received by Col. Neftaly A. Donato.
    Additional awardees in Production LEA Division were cited.
    Championship was awarded to SSg. Joey Gutierez from HPG while 1st runner-up was JO3 Jess Habiling from BJMP.
    Second 2nd runner-up was Cpl. Marcelino Abellera of Benguet PPO.
    For Senior Production Lady shooter,  champion was PEMS Ave C. Nabunat of Benguet PPO while  Junior Production Lady Shooter champion was Cpl. Wendy Dibaratun of BCPO.
    For Standard LEA, championship was awarded to Lt. Col. Jabar B. Wanna from PRO 1 with 1st runner-up going to JSS Metadio Patting of BJMP.
    Second runner-up was Capt. Taggart B. Bagsiyao of BPPO.
    For Classic LEA, champion was CMS Ruel Lapena, while 1st runner-up was CMS Juval Buacas,
Second runner-up was PEMS Ayti Balcanao.
    For Production Optic Lawman, championship was awarded to SSg. Dave Dalgo. For the R.O. In the match, the champion was awarded to PSMS Miller Villanueva of Benguet PPO while 1st runner-up was awarded to CMS Froilan Wayne Likigan of BCPO.
    The 2nd runner-up was MSg. Gideon Cabfilan of RMFB15.
    A certificate of appreciation was presented to engineer Meneses for his “invaluable contribution and unwavering support and commitment to PRO Cordillera” during the said activity.
 

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Police seize P5.9-M ‘grass’ in Cordillera

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Police seized P5.9-million worth of marijuana plants and arrested one suspected cultivator during an eradication operation from December 17 to 23.
    The Police Regional Office Cordillera-Regional Operations Division said the suspect, a high-value individual, was arrested in Mountain Province.
    The suspect yielded 6,000 fully grown marijuana plants with a standard drug price of P1.2 million.

    Police also said that 23,500 fully grown marijuana plants worth P4.7 million were discovered in an eradication operation in the province of Benguet.
    Policemen from Kibungan, Benguet and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Cordillera agents also spent Christmas Day uprooting weed in town.
    Upon discovering three marijuana plantations in Sitio Bagiw, Tacadang, Kibungan, policemen on Monday noon uprooted and burned down around 1,375 fully grown marijuana planted at three different sites in the village, according to Cordillera police director Brig. Gen. David Peredo.
    The uprooted weed costs P275,000 in street value.
    Lawmen burned these marijuana plants after proper documentation.
    Follow-up operations were conducted to identify their cultivators.
 

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Yap helps prepare Benguet athletes for national games

 SPORTS

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Upon learning of their flight, Rep. Eric Go Yap immediately orchestrated a comprehensive support initiative, ensuring that Benguet athletes have the necessary resources to compete at their best in the Batang Pinoy National Games and the Philippine National Games in Pasig City.
    "When I heard of the problems about sending our athletes, hindi tayo pwede mag-turuan, na trabaho dapat ni ganito, or dapat iba yung may responsibility dito. Kapag may kailangan ng tulong, we don’t say yes or no, we should say how and what can I do. These athletes, their parents and coaches are sacrificing, hindi lang para sa pangarap nila, but also para sa probinsya," said Yap.
    Unlike its neighboring city of Baguio, Benguet has only meager resources in sending limited number of athletes in competitions such as Batang Pinoy and the PNG.        
    Yap has arranged for the provision of transportation services for Benguet delegates by providing a coaster that will ferry the delegates from the province to Pasig and back and at the same time, rented 11 vehicles for a day as transport strike has hit Metro Manila on Monday, December 18.    
    The solon is also providing additional meals for the athletes and delegates, and supplying energy drinks to keep the competitors in top form throughout the duration of the events.
    "Kaya binisita natin sila, makita anong sitwasyon nila, kinausap natin yung parents and coaches na nandun, and in our own little ways, tumutulong tayo. Transportation needs, food at magprovide din tayo ng incentives para may dagdag motivation yung mga bata," added Yap.
    Having engaged in discussions with coaches who once wore the same shoes as their proteges, Yap recognizes the echoes of financial strain that resonate through the journey of aspiring athletes saying the lack of adequate financial backing not only affects training and equipment but also hampers the over-all development of potential sports stars.
    "The financial aspect of it has been a perennial problem, I spoke with some of the coaches na they themselves were former athletes, talagang mahirap. Hindi na siya bagong problema.
    Fortunately, ginagawan ng paraan ng local government units natin despite lack of funds. So it should be a collective effort.     There's only so much we can do kaya dapat tulong tulong," Yap said.
    The solon also vowed for substantial incentives—P5,000 for gold medalists, P2,000 for silver, and P1,000 for bronze.
    These incentives not only serve as a reward for their achievements but also as encouragement for future endeavors, fostering a culture of excellence and perseverance among Benguet's budding sports talents.
    Yap also appealed to the organizers of these events to re-think the scheduling of competitions as local government units are also fazed by funding woes.
    "We are also appealing to the PSC, the organizers of this event. Huwag naman sana end of the year nag-oorganize ng ganitong big events. They know for a fact kung gaano kahirap ang pondo ng mga LGUs, at depleted na talaga yan lalo pag patapos na ang taon. And our LGUs are not rich LGUs, unlike big cities and provinces. So kailangan talaga may preparation and proper budgeting para dito. And I heard they (PSC) will give each delegate 600 pesos transportation allowance; I don't think that is enough for a week-long event.  Yung playing venues, sobrang layo sa mga billeting areas. They should make it more systematic and cost-efficient next time," Yap said.
 

 

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