Batad, Banaue are World's Most Beautiful Rice Terraces

Photo Courtesy || BecomingFilipino

Cordillera - Cordillera's Banaue Rice Terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Northern part of the Philippines. These terraces were carved into the mountains over 2,000 years ago by the Ifugao people, and are still used today to grow rice.

The terraces are often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" because of their incredible engineering and the fact that they are still in use to this day. They cover an area of over 10,000 square kilometers and are considered to be a masterpiece of human ingenuity.

The Banaue Rice Terraces are not only an important cultural and historical site, but they also play a crucial role in the local economy. Rice is the main staple food in the Philippines, and the terraces provide a source of income for many of the local farmers.

The construction of the terraces was a massive undertaking, and required the use of simple tools and manual labor. The Ifugao people used a technique called "sloping cultivation" to create the terraces, which involved cutting into the mountain and building walls out of rock and soil to create the terraces. This method is still used today to maintain the terraces.

The Banaue Rice Terraces are not only a beautiful sight to behold, but they also serve as a reminder of the ingenuity and determination of the Ifugao people. They are a testament to the human ability to create something beautiful and functional out of the most challenging of landscapes.

Unfortunately, due to the lack of maintenance and limited government support, the terraces are slowly deteriorating. The terraces are also affected by climate change and weather patterns. The government and local community are working together to preserve and maintain these terraces for future generations.

Visiting the Banaue Rice Terraces is an unforgettable experience, and is an opportunity to see firsthand the incredible work of the Ifugao people. It is a must-see destination for anyone interested in culture, history, and agriculture. The terraces are accessible by bus or jeepney from Banaue town, and there are a number of tours and guides available to help visitors explore the area.

In conclusion, The Banaue Rice Terraces are a unique and awe-inspiring wonder of the world that showcases the ingenuity, determination, and hard work of the Ifugao people. They are a valuable cultural and historical site, as well as an important source of income for the local community. It is a must-see destination for anyone interested in culture, history, and agriculture, but it is also a reminder that we need to take action to preserve it for future generations.

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Ifugao native P2LT Malahi A. Kinggingan is Top 10 in Air Force Class 2016

Photo Courtesy || P2LT Malahi A. Kinggingan

Cordillera - It's not too late to recognize one of our Kailyan from Banaue, Ifugao who graduated with flying colors of the Philippine Air Force in 2016. 

P2LT Malahi A. Kinggingan was Top 10 of the "Siklabtalas Class of 2016 of the Philippine Air Force Officer Candidate School (PAFOCS).

P2LT Kinggingan is a graduate of Ifugao State University in 2012 with a degree of AB Political Science.

As per IFSU records, P2LT Kinggingan was named the Best Political Science Student of the Year in his class. 

Here's the full message from IFSU: 

Another IFSU graduate is commended, albeit belatedly, following a “poke” recently that somewhere up in the skies is an IFSUan pilot who graduated, not so lately, literally with flying colors.

Call in to the roll P2LT Malahi A. Kinggingan from Banaue, Ifugao and now a member of the Philippine Air Force Officer Candidate School (PAFOCS) who was Top 10 of “Siklabtalas” Class of 2016.

P2LT Kinggingan finished his degree in AB Political Science at IFSU Main Campus in 2012 and by the records of employed IFSU graduates could be the first IFSUan aviator or first IFSUan who has hopped in to the Air Force Service.

Until the next update of high-flier in his category is in, P2LT Kinggingan owns the crown just yet.

IFSU records show that P2LT Kinggingan was the Best Political Science Student of the Year of his IFSU Class in 2012.

He belongs to the first batch of IFSU graduates in AB Political Science which opened First Semester of School Year 2008-2009.

Thoughtful gentleman he is, P2LT Kinggingan was profuse of words of gratitude to IFSU after he was reached for his statement.

“Thank you very much for molding me as gentleman.” 

“Thank you very much to my alma matter IFSU, President Dr. Ngohayon and his staff, my instructors and the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) who directed me to my success.”

“I myself witness that IFSU is for ACE.”

P2LT Kinggingan leaves words of advice to IFSU students to "always aim for excellence because excellence will take you to your success."

Very well said P2LT Kinggingan.

From the IFSU Family, Congratulations Sir Kinggingan!

source || Ifugao State University FB 

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Banaue PNP builds new home for underprivileged family

Photo Courtesy || Banaue PNP

Cordillera - The Banaue PNP remains steadfast to its mandate of serving and protecting the municipality and its people by continuing the giving of relief packs (ayuda) to those Banauen family who are in need and most affected by this pandemic brought by Corona Virus (COVID19). 

During the distribution of the said relief in the remote sitios of each barangays, the group encountered one respectable family of nine from Chig-chig,Bocos,Banaue,Ifugao who were then living together in their small house, estimated not more than 10sqm. 

The family is raising an infant and the small crowded space would be tough for the infant to live in. The family house was not sturdy and doesn't guarantee safety considering the poor structural built of the house. Water also often get inside the house when it rains especially during typhoon. 

According to the World Health Organization's Housing and Health Guidelines, household crowding is considered to be a threat to health and well-being as it can be a source of constant stress. Household crowding can be a significant hot spot of infectious-disease transmission, and that seems to be true in this current pandemic as we are all fighting to reduce the spread of the virus. 

With the aforementioned situation, PEMS Rolando Bongallon, Chief MCAD suggested to all personnel the building of a house for the family which was tagged as “Bahay ng Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko Project’’. PCPT RODOLFO T FATEG, OIC automatically approved the proposed project and encouraged each personnel to uplift the spirit of solidarity especially in helping the needy with humility, compassion, and without expecting anything in return.

Before the commencement of the "Bahay ng Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko" Project, personnel of the office assessed the situation of the family thru home visitation. The personnel likened the family to a ’’Kahong’’tree, simple but sturdy, staying strong despite the difficulties and storms coming and passing its way. The members of the family still find contentment and joy in simple living because their love for each other is a stronger structure protecting them all from the harshness of life. All of these were noted despite the head of the family experiencing impaired vision and loosing physical strength. Hence, they deserved to be the chosen beneficiary of the Banaue PNP’’ Pabahay Project’’. For the realization of the said Pabahay Project, Banaue PNP and members of the community worked and contributed together in the spirit of "bayanihan".

Aside from their mandatory contribution, personnel of Banaue PNP gave additional contributed for the purchase of construction materials for the said house. Some of them gave extra cash, wood, hallow blocks and GI sheets. Even retired members of the PNP from Banaue and some stakeholders donated in cash and in kind for the success of the said project. Members of the RMFB1501ST Maneuver Company also supported the project by donating 2 cubic of sand and gravel and rendered their time and effort to join the Banaue PNP personnel in the construction of the house with floor area of 10 x 20 square meters. The two-bedroom house that was built is mostly made of wood with cemented floor.

On September 24, 2020, Banaue MPS conducted house blessing and ceremonial turnover to the beneficiary of the Adopt a Family Project presided by PCPT RODOLFO T FATEG.Pastor Herman Dinumla officiated the house blessing. The said events were attended by PCOL DAVID D MARIANDO-PD together with his staff, members of the150 1st Maneuver Company at Mount Polis, Mr.Marcelo B.Lihgawon, PIA-Ifugao, Barangay officials, and residents and  donors. The head of the family voiced out his unending gratitude with tears of joy for the blessing of a simply yet sturdy house that they received. This was the response of the PNP to the benefited family: ’’Give GOD the glory(credits) for He just used us as an instrument to offer you the help you deserved and we are looking forward for your support to end this pandemic by staying safely at home. That will be a great help for us."

The Banaue PNP is thankful to all volunteers who in one way or another offered their time, effort, labor and resources until the house is finished. It is really heartwarming that the PNP, with the help of the community, was able to help create a happy place where the beneficiaries can live, laugh and learn; a home where they can be safe, loved, respected, and cared for.

Indeed, helping other people has a great impact especially when you see them smiling with gratitude. The unending joys felt from helping others is enough motivation for us, members of Banaue PNP, to face each day with optimism, strength, faith and courage. The members of the PNP may not always be able to give financial assistance because we also have our respective needs and family but what we can assure is to give quality service with a smile to lighten heart of our constituents. Thank you very much.

source || Banaue PNP

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Stranded tourists in Banaue turn Community Quarantine into an unforgettable farm experience

Photo Courtesy || Sherwin Lee

Cordillera - Instead of worrying about what will happen to them in Cordillera due to the Enhanced Community Quarantine, these tourists decided to experience farming by helping locals in a farm. 

In a Facebook post by Sherwin Lee, two young tourists were seen transplanting rice seedling somewhere in Banaue, Ifugao. 

These tourists see the positive side of the ECQ and took the chance to learn how Cordillerans live and provide food to their families.

Netizens were delighted to notice the tourist and commended them for turning the ECQ into a unforgettable farm experience. 

"It's ok to be stranded in the province rather than Manila. There are lots of adventure and experience that will never be forgotten... Your experience will teach you how to survive in any crisis," a netizen wrote.

READ ALSO: Cordilleran farmers choose generosity over profit; Sell veggies for less to help government in relief operation

Netizen Christopher Calyaen said, "That's the good thing these virus send because tourist can learn from us on how we live and do our sources in life. We have to see the positive side of these ECQ. In other Cordillera places they enjoyed farming and do the usual things as they plant in the farm. While in urban they are fighting cock and full of covid mouth. Kudos to the tourist it's praticum time to plant rice and learn more."

Another netizen is inviting to the two tourists to come back after 4 months to experience harvesting the rice they had planted.

READ ALSO: Sadanga, Mountain Province refuses food packs, donates it to less fortunate instead

"Memories to tell in your home country. Come back after 4 months for the harvest time to complete the fun," Fely Pangwi said.

In Ifugao, There is a tradition called "Urpi", the planting season in Banaue where in only women are assigned to sow the rice seedlings for reason of fertility and good harvest, according to netizen Corazon Nacionales.

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OFW in Japan donates his one month salary worth P100,000 to Banaue, Ifugao

Photo Courtesy || Daniel Mongolnon

Cordillera - A generous overseas Filipino working in Japan has donated his one month salary worth 225,000 Japanese Yen to his townmates in Banaue, Ifugao. 

Daniel Mongolnon, a native of Banaue and currently working as an OFW in Nagoya, Japan has posted a short video of his response to the call of billionaire Francis Leo Marcos to do the "Mayaman Challenge" which is urging the rich and famous Filipinos to help their hungry countrymen. 

"Sir Francis Leo Marcos, tinatanggap ko po ang iyong hamon. Isa po akong OFW dito sa Japan. Idodonate ko po ang isang buwan kong sahod sa aking mga kababayan sa Banaue, Ifugao," Mongolnon said. 

Mongolnon hopes that his donation helps his countrymen cope with the covid-19 crisis.

"Bale ho one hundred thousand (P100,000) po ito in Philippine money. Nawa'y makatulong po itong konting pera sa aking mga kababayan sa gitna ng krisis na ating kinahaharap," he added.

Mongolnon was among the Filipinos who responded to the call of helping the poor who were badly affected by the enhanced community quarantine being imposed in Luzon. 

Meanwhile, netizens expressed their admiration to the good deeds of Mr. Mongolnon. 

"Thank you sir Daniel M. for your wonderful and big heart to have this kind of help to many people especially now that we are facing an extreme crisis... May the Lord bless you and your love ones. To God be the glory," one netizen wrote.

"Snappy salute to you sir boss Daniel... May you live long, blessing and prosperity to all of us," another one commented. 

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