The Urgent Need to Preserve 2 Philippine Cultural Heritages Under Threat
The Philippines is a country with a rich cultural heritage dating back hundreds of years. However, many of these legacies are under threat due to neglect, lack of funding, and environmental factors. Two cultural heritages in particular come to mind that urgently require preservation efforts: the Ifugao Rice Terraces and the Tubbataha Reef.
Ifugao Rice Terraces
The Ifugao Rice Terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Ifugao Province of the Philippines. The terraces, which have been irrigated by hand for over 2,000 years, are a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the Ifugao people. Despite their historical and cultural significance, the terraces are under threat due to neglect, suboptimal maintenance, poor irrigation practices, and low tourism.
To address this issue, the local government, NGOs, and community organizations have launched several initiatives aimed at preserving and rehabilitating the rice terraces. These include partnerships with private enterprises, scaling up of traditional irrigation practices, community-led tourism programs, and providing livelihood support for local farmers. Additionally, UNESCO has designated 2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages, which aims to promote and protect the linguistic and cultural diversity of indigenous communities including the Ifugao people.
Tubbataha Reef
The Tubbataha Reef is a marine sanctuary located in the Sulu Sea. It is comprised of two coral atolls and is home to over 1,200 species of marine life. It has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993. Unfortunately, the reef is under threat due to overfishing, destructive fishing practices, and rampant pollution from human activities.
To preserve the Tubbataha Reef, the Philippine government, NGOs, and local communities have implemented several measures. These include the creation of marine protected areas, the enforcement of stricter fishing regulations, and capacity-building initiatives for local communities. Partnerships with the private sector have also been developed to promote sustainable tourism practices and to create alternative sources of livelihood for local fishermen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Ifugao Rice Terraces and Tubbataha Reef are two cultural heritages that urgently require preservation efforts. The initiatives that have been implemented by the government, NGOs, and local communities serve as a blueprint for other cultural assets throughout the Philippines and the world. It’s our collective responsibility to protect and preserve these cultural and natural resources for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
