Resolution Expressing Sense of the Senate to Urge Government Agencies to Work Collaboratively to Save the Rice Terraces

December 6, 2011

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 073-11

RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE SENATE TO URGE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO WORK COLLABORATIVELY TO SAVE THE RICE TERRACES OF THE PHILIPPINE CORDILLERAS FROM DEGRADATION

WHEREAS, the Rice Terraces of the Philippines, carved into the mountains by the Ifugao people 2000 years ago, are considered national cultural treasures that present a panorama of the rich history and culture of the indigenous peoples of the Cordilleras; aEcHCD

WHEREAS, the Rice Terraces of the Philippines, distinct from other rice terraces in the world and renowned for their remarkably beautiful and scenic landscape, reflect the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Ifugao people;

WHEREAS, the rice terraces, considered a wonder of the world, were inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995 in recognition of the living cultural heritage of the indigenous people who, during ancient times, used primitive tools and bare hands to laboriously sculpt the slopes of the mountains into terraced fields to plant rice;

WHEREAS, with their massive structures, the Rice Terraces of the Philippines are a masterpiece of remarkable traditional engineering and irrigation systems, dating back to 2000 years ago;

WHEREAS, built approximately 1,500 meters above sea level and cover 10,360 square kilometers of the mountainside with steep slopes of 70 degrees maximum, the rice terraces are irrigated by an ancient irrigation system where rainforests at the top of the mountain keep the terraces wet;

WHEREAS, the rice terraces, resembling huge steps in the mountain slopes, are planted to organic rice varieties and maintained in the traditional manner that reflects the ancient rituals, traditions and cultural practices of the indigenous people, and have kept the balance and harmony in the interaction of man and nature;

WHEREAS, the Ifugao people have been protecting and preserving the rice terraces, as environmental and social interventions, among other factors, have made the rice terraces prone to degradation;

WHEREAS, the recent typhoons Pedring and Quiel have caused damage to the rice terraces — damage to agriculture worth over Php122.65 million alone — after a total of 102,663 cubic meters of the area were destroyed, affecting 13 barangays and 2,000 farmers;

WHEREAS, the government should encourage Filipinos, particularly the youth, to participate in efforts to save the rice terraces and to promote appreciation of the culture of the indigenous people; cCaIET

WHEREAS, a symbol of the rich culture and traditions of the Filipino people, the rice terraces are national cultural treasures that offer local and international tourists a sight to behold;

WHEREAS, considering the vulnerability of the rice terraces to damage caused by environmental factors, the government should support efforts to preserve the rice terraces and save them from further degradation, and that government agencies should work together to rebuild the damaged rice terrace walls caused by the typhoons: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, as it hereby resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate of the Philippines to urge government agencies to work collaboratively to save the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras from degradation.

Adopted,

(SGD.) JUAN PONCE ENRILEPresident of the Senate

This Resolution was adopted by the Senate on December 6, 2011.

(SGD.) EMMA LIRIO-REYESSecretary of the Senate