IFSU strengthens collaboration with partners for IRT


Pres Dugyon forwards resolution to continue IRT programs

“We are committed to continue working for the conservation of the Ifugao Rice Terraces (IRT) as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) and United Nations Education Scientifi c and Cultural Organization site. Th e IRT is an important source of livelihood and identity of our people. With this, we pledge to continue the Ifugao Satoyama Training Meister Training Program, (ISMTP)” said Dr. Eva Marie CodamonDugyon, Ifugao State University President and co-chairperson of the Ifugao GIAHS Sustainable Development Committee (IGSDC) during its 3rd Annual Meeting held at the Ifugao Provincial Capitol on November 16, 2018.  

The resolution was affirmed by the members of the IGSDC during the 3rd Annual Meeting was attended by the different line agencies, three GIAHS mayors of Mayaoyao; Hungduan; and Kiangan, Save Ifugao Terraces Movement, Ifugao Cultural Heritage Offi  ce, Ifugao State University (IFSU), Benguet State University, University of the PhilippinesOpen University and from the Japan International Cooperation Agency.  

Different line agencies such the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)  also committed to provide technical assistance to research projects of trainees under the ISMTP as part of the IRT conservation.  

Mayor Joselito Guyguyon, LGU Kiangan, presented the future plans for Phase III in 2020. Among the plans include the strengthening of the ISMTP Alumni Network and putting up of an IRT hub. Meanwhile, Hungduan and Mayoyao mayors reaffi  rmed their continuing support to the program and off ered opportunities for the ISMTP projects to be implemented in their municipalities.  

On the other hand DOST offered their technical expertise and mentoring in science research for the trainees. TESDA, in their campaign to provide alternative options for youth in the rice terraces downloaded funds for IFSU to implement the Universal Access to Quality Education. DTI on their part committed to support livelihood research projects of the trainees in partnership with farmers.  

IFSU which co-chair the IGSDC, vowed to put up an IRT center as a repository and research hub to strengthen its role in the ISMTP.  

The IGSDC was formed sometime in 2014 spearheaded by former Governor Denis Habawel as a counterpart of the Ifugao GIAHS Support Committee – Japan. Th e IGSDC is composed of diff erent IRT stakeholders which primarily aims to synchronize and organize collaboration for the conservation of the IRT. #