Vanishing Heritage: Saving the Rice Terraces of the Philippines Cordilleras
(Summary)
Before, the United Nations Educational and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed the Rice Terraces of the Philippines on the World Heritage list. But after some years the Rice Terraces become one on the “ in danger” list that signifies their existence is under threat. So they manage to act by recognizing what are the problems that Rice Terraces encounter and how could they improve it. They recognized two major environmental factors --- loss of forest which cause lack of irrigation and soil erosion and giant earthworms. But many Ifugaos believe that because of the deterioration of the cultures, the Rice Terraces is being left behind. The government as well as Local Government Units of Ifugao helps to the preservation of the Rice Terraces. So they formulated a ten-year master plan and established programs to help preserve, restore and protect the Rice Terraces. And many other organization help to restore this vanishing heritages. Although it remains on the “in danger” list, they noted the positive that have been taken and the people believe that the Rice Terraces will regenerate and rise again among the others.
(Reflection)
Before, I thought that the Rice Terraces is just an agricultural development but after watching this film I became more aware of it. It is not just a development but it is a great achievement of mankind. The structure itself shows how the mankind evolution with their environment. It shows that the people can manipulate their survival. But the world did not see that greatness of it. We Filipinos does not recognize the importance of it. The proof of the great achievement of mankind is vanishing! Why do we do Filipinos not recognize that? It is more than a tourist attraction, it is our achievement. Good thing that the local people and organization took the first steps of paying attention to the Rice Terraces. I am looking forward that someday I could also help to preserve this great achievement of mankind. I know that there are evolution around us but I do not want the past great achievement of mankind left behind.