Bontoc, Mountain Province – Secretary Liza L. Maza, Lead Convenor of the National Anti –Poverty Commission (NAPC) was adopted as daughter of the Province during her visit to personally oversee the convergence of the four provinces in Cordillera region in the rehabilitation and conservation of the rice terraces for food security on December 5-6, 2017.
Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. who led the adoption ceremonies named her “Kuliplipan”, which means a Crusader. Kuliplipan was described as a good-hearted woman, kind in spirit but fearless in defending the cause of the poor and the troubled.
In honor and in recognition of her name “Kuliplipan”, Secretary Maza was clothed with the Mountain Province apparel, from the Ga’dang tribe of eastern Mountain Province.
“The Tapis, a white beaded woven material resplendent in red and pinkish colors, symbolizes courage and intended to be worn as a wrap-around skirt will clothe you with fortitude. The Bakawat, a red woven belt represents security and empowerment; may it forge you towards the path of social reforms. The Singat, a crown of white beads for wisdom and truth, may it lead you to bring to fore the protection of women, the youth and the marginalized,” Lacwasan stated.
In response, Secretary Liza expressed her gratitude to the people of Mountain Province for their warm welcome and being the host for the two-day seminar workshop, focusing on the “Convergence on the Rehabilitation and Conservation of Rice Terraces for Food Security” which was spearheaded by the NAPC.
She expressed hope that after the workshop, participants from the provinces of Mountain Province, Kalinga, Ifugao and Benguet would have to come –up with a long-term communal view for a food production system that shall sustain future generations in the Cordillera region.
As an advance plan, the two-day workshop focused on drafting a five –year comprehensive and pro-farmer and pro- Indigenous People (IP) Development Plan for 2018-2022 for the rehabilitation and conservation of rice terraces in the 21 municipalities in the Cordillera. At the same time, the plan is meant to address host development issues on land and ancestral domain, agricultural development, human capital development, and socio-economic empowerment founded on and consistent with the Cordilleran’s economic and socio –cultural principles.
Relative to this, Mountain Province Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr., Ifugao Governor Pedro G. Mayam-o, and Kalinga Acting Governor James S. Edubba unanimously expressed their support and commitment in working with the NAPC and partner stakeholders for the rehabilitation and conservation of rice terraces in the Cordillera.
In his statement, Lacwasan highlighted that it is but right and fitting that the convergence must be on concerted efforts to address preservation and restoration of rice terraces.
“It is our land which is not only a means of survival but it is the source of our ways of life. Wherefore, the goal of this initiative, whether at the national, regional and provincial levels, cannot be achieved overnight or in one day. It has to be achieved through dedication, leadership and cooperation. We have a vital part to play. All of us are committed to this cause. And each of us, in our own ways, is empowered to contribute,” Lacwasan remarked.
Also, the 21 municipalities in the Cordillera region, together with indigenous peoples’ and farmers’ organizations, upheld their commitment in the rehabilitation and conservation of the rice terraces that is anchored on the protection of ancestral lands. The 21 municipalities which are targeted for this project are Kabayan, Kibungan and Kapangan, all of Benguet; Bauko, Sabangan, Bontoc, Sadanga, Besao and Tadian, all of Mountain Province; Tinglayan, Tanudan, Lubuagan, Balbalan, Pasil and Pinukpuk, all of Kalinga; and Asipulo, Hungduan, Hingyon, Banue, Kiangan and Mayoyao, all of Ifugao.
It is also expected that a series of workshops would follow for this endeavor.** Alpine L. Killa, MP-PIO