Banaue form rice terraces restoration office

BANAUE, Ifugao - The local government unit has established an office to help restore the renowned Banaue Rice Terraces that is continuously threatened with destruction.

Through Ordinance No. 17, the Banaue Rice Terraces Restoration Office (BRTRO) was created under the office of the Municipal Mayor to facilitate in the restoration and preservation of the rice terraces and promote the accelerated socioeconomic development of the area.

Councilor Hygelac Cayong explained that the office shall facilitate the formulation of short and long-term plans that would address certain policy, planning and implementation issues. It shall formulate a three

to five year Rice Terraces Restoration Plan that include protection of its ecological balance and enhancement of its environment for easy access of farmers to terraces areas, land-use and zoning plan and other guidelines.

BRTRO will manage all funds intended for the restoration program subject to the regular budgeting and accounting procedures of the municipal government. It shall be manned by a BRTR officer and some staff.

A total of P100, 000 was allocated as an initial funding for the operation of the office to be placed under statutory funds of the LGU.

The Banaue LGU hopes to preserve and develop the rice terraces, its major cultural and natural landmark, for the future generation. PIA CAR