LAGAWE, Ifugao — The continuous destruction of the world famous Ifugao rice terraces because of global warming and climate change and man-made activities has gained international recognition as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) granted $50,000 or at least P2.3 million to start up doable rehabilitation projects to avert its eventual devastation.

The Regional Development Council (RDC) in the Cordillera and the provincial government here called on the national agencies and international community to pour their support to fast-track the rehabilitation of the rice terraces, which is a major tourist destination in the country providing numerous livelihood opportunities for the people in the host communities.

Gov. Teddy Baguilat Jr. admitted the recent series of typhoons that struck the region have severely affected many rice paddies within the terraces area which needs immediate rehabilitation.

In the previous years, according to him, their ancestors can predict when the rain comes and consider it as a blessing but the prevalence of climate change has caused rains to become so destructive to farmers even resulting in pestilence in the famous tourist attractions.

The governor claimed the destructive effects of typhoons nowadays bringing heavy rains due to climate change and global warming accelerated damage to most parts of the Cordillera, thereby causing a major setback to the gains local governments have achieved in terms of improving the lives of people in the countryside.

Provincial and municipal officials expressed their gratitude to the UNESCO for such unwavering assistance, saying the funds will be properly utilized to help mitigate the effects of the typhoon damages to the terraces.

Aside from running the major tourist attraction, the recent typhoons also reduced the quantity of harvested rice, especially the famous “tinawon” rice, which is now being exported to the United States.