LAGAWE, Ifugao – -Honest-to-goodness efforts to save the endangered rice terraces of Ifugao just got a big boost from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Sponsored by JICA, the 17-man, high-level delegation from Ifugao’s four towns is scheduled to visit popular sites in Japan for a study tour of rice terraces in this wealthy Asian country. They are visiting Noto, Kamazawa and Ishikawa from October 21 to 24.
The study tour is an integral part of the Ifugao Satoyama Meister Training Program (ISMTP) in Japan.
Banaue Mayor Jerry Dalipog, Kiangan Mayor Joselito Guyguyon and Hungduan Mayor Hilario Bumangabang head the delegation. Mayoyao representatives are also included in the delegation. The municipalities of Banaue, Kiangan, Hungduan and Mayoyao are blessed to have these terraces acclaimed as World Heritage Sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Kiangan Councilor James Talib is also a delegate. He is the chairman of the committee on education.
This early, the trip is already viewed on a high note as it is described as a big help to save these majestic rice terraces in the aforementioned towns. Problems faced by farmers there are pushing the province’s agriculture further down.
Lessons and updated information in safeguarding these rice terraces are deemed vital in advising key municipal government officials in formulating responsive and well-attuned policies, plans and programs.
Likewise, overseeing all other related efforts of the provincial government of Ifugao and influencing the systems, processes and procedures of action programs of the executive and legislative branches through the provision of technical assistance is another major issue related to the rice terraces concern.
Is it time for the young to make a move in saving these rice terraces?
For members of the said delegation, hearing this quite familiar phrase is and will always be music to their ears. And it surely comes with a good reason.
The big break arose when Clarence Buyuccan, a kagawad (councilman) of Barangay Tuplac in Kiangan was included in the delegation. The youthful lawmaker is the chairman on the committee on youth and sports. He is also the chairman of the committee on health and sanitation.
Like the others, Mr. Buyuccan’s task is to take a pro-active role in the campaign to contain the rice terraces’ enormous problems. Young officials in the barangay government are rarely, if ever, considered as major stakeholders in the decision-making process and are therefore not consulted or invited at all to ventures or undertakings as this one. They also do not have access to action plans of highly-placed officials in the provincial government, except to affix their signatures when attachment papers are needed. Now, fortunately, more young ones like Buyuccan (and Councilor Talib, the youngest councilor in Ifugao) are also emerging as leaders in advancing the save-the-rice terraces cause.
So Mr. Buyuccan didn’t waste time in answering the clarion call to represent the youth sector in this delegation.
Given their involvement in ventures akin to the rice terraces concern, other members of the delegation vowed to strive for concrete actions to realize their avowed goals.
Increased awareness and recognizing the fact that upgrading the agriculture productivity are must-do actions of officials in the province. After all, rice is the staple food of the people. It used to be bountiful here.
Major woes- from invasion of giant earthworms to soil erosion, continue to hound farmers in these rice terraces.
Lack of know-how easily comes with a cost.
Technology has given farmers the advantage of being able to improve their craft. Using all the tools at hand and discerning for themselves what is best on conditions at the ground are indeed essential.
Previous study tours in other countries showed little progress in resolving the problems of these rice terraces. It sounds very intriguing.
Not this one. It promises to bring new hope to this concern. This time around, JICA officers are laying down concrete steps on how to handle the problem.
Buyuccan expressed confidence that the JICA would be able to inspire and motivate the study tour delegates in taking swift and decisive actions on the longstanding problems of Ifugao’s rice terraces.
The intensified actions to improve and modernize agriculture in Ifugao that characterized the JICA programs had an effect on the lives of the people. It encourages a realistic approach in solving problems for quite some time. This is evident in many places in the province.
JICA is headquartered in Makati City. Its president in the Philippines is Shinichi Kitaoka. A highly reputable and well respected agency, JICA has gained distinction in pursuing noteworthy programs, projects and activities. For instance, the JICA extended its helping hand to the Ifugao AYOD community health teams (ACHT). It is for this reason that its presence in Ifugao and elsewhere is well-received.
The impact of JICA’s assistance program has caused the significant reduction of poverty incidence in a number of marginalized communities. Good intention is everything, not only in charitable institutions.** By Anthony A. Araos
