‘Protect Antique’s rice terraces’

SAN JOSE, Antique – The rice terraces in Antique should be protected.

It should further elicit respect for nature and for Antique’s cultural heritage, said Sen. Loren Legarda who traces her roots in Antique.

Antique’s 600-hectare rice terraces can be found in wide mountain slopes of Barangay General Fullon in San Remigio.

The rice paddies are said to be 200 years old and maintained by the Iraynon-Bukidnon, an indigenous group.

“The merging of our people’s ingenuity and nature, as exemplified by these rice paddies, is both humbling and inspiring. To think that it was just in our backyard this whole time,” said Legarda.

All stakeholders should play their part in ensuring the delicate ecology of the rice terraces, she added.

The local government units in Antique could learn from the experience of the Ifugao community in their continuous struggle to preserve their rice terraces under their ancient muyung system.

“We all play an important role in protecting our heritage. This newly-discovered natural wonder is home to a community that is in harmony with its environment. We should not disturb this delicate relationship,” said Legarda.

Source: Panay News