Cagayan Rep. Jack Enrile on Friday called for collective action to restore the Banaue rice terraces, saying the cultural heritage has been suffering from neglect for so long.
Enrile, a candidate for senator of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), said in a statement that he recalls organizing a youth camp in Ifugao in 2012 to raise awareness on the damage done to years of neglect on the rice terraces.
鈥淚 appeal especially to the younger generation. This is a product of your ancestors鈥� ingenuity 2,000 years ago,鈥� said Enrile.
鈥淒o not let it just fade into oblivion. The rice terraces are suffering from neglect because the younger generations are migrating to the cities in search of a better life,鈥� he said.
鈥淭he rice terraces used to be a source of abundant food supply of the ancient Ifugaos,鈥� Enrile said.
鈥淣ow most farmers cannot afford to maintain the terraces and their produce is not enough for their subsistence,鈥� he said.
鈥淥nce restored to its former glory, it will contribute a lot to the development of food self-sufficiency in the country,鈥� said Enrile, whose campaign focuses on the theme 鈥淔ood for Filipinos.鈥�