- ——___—___.
| HOUSE *F REPRESENTATIVES
RECEIVED

Republic of the Philippines pate: Q5.dUL 2018

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session REGISTRATION UNIT

BILLS AND INDEX SERVICE

House siti no.__1107

Introduced by REP. TEDDY BRAWNER BAGUILAT

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Over the years, the cultural, economic, and social value of the Ifugao Rice Terraces to
the community, to the country, and to the word has been recognized. It has been one of the
priceless legacies that the Philippines is showcasing to the world as a reflection of the Filipino
ingenuity as it highlights one of man’s best engineering achievements without forced labor, a
feat that gave its recognition as one of UNESCO's World Heritage Site. In numerous tourism
campaigns for the Philippines appearing domestically and abroad, photos and viedo footages of
the Ifugao Rice terraces along with other sites had been utilized to highlight what the Philippines
can offer to the world : 7

The Ifugao Rice Terraces also serves as a beacon of hope in the Philippines’ fight
against climate change. It highlights how the adoption of traditional conservation management
regimes could allow such a balanced ecology,

The Government, through its own affirmative actions, recognized the value of the Ifugao
Rice Terraces and the need to provide for policies and programs for the conservation and
preservation of the Ifugao Rice Terraces. On 01 August 1973, President Ferdinand E, Marcos
declared the Ifugao Rice Terraces as “National Cultural Treasures” under P.D. No. 260. In 1994
the Republic of the Philippines nominated the “Rice Terraces of the Cordilleras” for inclusion in
the UNESCO World Heritage List as cultural landscapes, identifying five rice terraces custers:

1. Rice Terraces clusters of Batad in the Municipality of Banaue, Ifugao

2. Rice Terraces clusters of Bangaan in the Municipality of Banaue, Ifugao

3. Rice Terraces clusters of Mayoyao Cetral in the Municipality of Mayoyao, Ifugao,
4. Rice Terraces clusters of Nagacadan in the Municipality of Kiangan, Ifugao; and
5. Rice Terraces clusters of the Municipality of Hungduan, Ifugao.

Thus, by December 1995, UNESCO officially inscribed the Rice Terraces of the Cordilleras
in the List of World Heritage Sites.

P.D. No, 260 granted the responsibility of restoring and reconstructing the Ifugao Rice
Terraces and other National Cultural Treasure, In 1978, P.D. No. 260 was amended by P.d, No
1505 which prohibited the unauthorized modification, alteration, repair and destruction of
original features of all national shrines, monuments, landmarks and important historic edifices
providing penalties for vioations.



In 1984, President Fidel V. Ramos issued Executive Order (E.0.) No. 158 creating the
Hugao Terraces Commission (ITC) “for the restoration and preservation of the Ifugao Rice
Terraces in the municipalties of Banaue, Kiangan, Hungduan, and Mayoyao in Ifugao.”

In 1999, President Joseph Estrada issued E.O. No. 77 which created the Banaue: Rice
Terraces Task Force (BRTTF) for the purpose of restoring, maintaining and administering the
development of the rice terraces in the municipalities of Banaue, Aguinaldo, Hingyon,
Hungduan, Kiangan, Lagawe, Mayoyao, and Tinoc, all in the Ifugao Province replacing E.O. No,
158, Pursuant to E.O. No. 72 issued by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2002, BRTTF
was abolished. The body tasked with the responsibilty of taking care of the rice terraces was
later on reorganized into the Ifugao Rice Terraces and Cultural Heritage Office (IRTCHO), under
the administartion of the Provincial Government of Ifugao.

The stark reality, however, is that the Ifugao Rice Terraces is increasingly deteriorating due
to natural causes and changing social and economic condition. Its state has continuously
worsened and is at risk of being merely part of humanities history.

In terms of government action, the continous reorganizations of government and the series
of abolition of offices managing the Ifugao Rice Terraces hampered the efforts of implementing
programs to sustainably manage the Ifugao Rice Terraces.

R.A. No. 4846 provides that it the duly of the State to protect and safeguard major cultural
and natural landmarks for the perpetuation of Filipino heritage and the enhancement of our
national identity. Hence, it is an obligation to maintain cultural heritage sites not merely as
Filipinos but members of the world due to its value of illustrating to the world of the evolution of
humanity and our interaction with the environment over the years.

It is necessary to safeguard and enhance the cultural, historical, and environmental value of
the Ifugao Rice Terraces through a law that creates a long-term plan for this national treasure
This law shall ensure that in both the short-term and the long-term, the Ifugao Rice Terraces
shall always be protected taking into cosideration the special context of the terraces, that it
continues to evolve with the community being actively utilized to this day not merely as a tourist
site but as an agricultural land actually tilled by the. Ifugaos to produce rice, among others.

It is now, at this critical moment that we need to collectively act to save the Ifugao Rice
Terraces

For all the compelling reasons provided, this bill is most respectfully submitted and
requested for early approval

TEDDY BRAWNER BAGUILAT
fone District of Ifugao



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House ait no.__1107

Introduced by REP. TEDDY BRAWNER BAGUILAT

AN ACT ADOPTING THE IFUGAO RICE TERRACES REHABILITATION AND.
PRESERVATION PLAN, CREATING THE ADMINISTRATIVE MACHINERY FOR ITS
IMPLEMENTATION AND ITS SECRETARIAT, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

CHAPTER |
GENERAL PROVISIONS

SEC. | Title - This Act shall be known as the “Ifugao Rice Terraces Rehabilitation and
Preservation Act."

‘SEC. 2 Declaration of Policy ~ It is hereby declared the policy of the State to protect, develop
and conserve its natural resources. Toward this end, it shall assist and support the
implementation of plans; programs and projects formulated to safeguard and enhance the
environment, and at the same time pursue the socio-economic development goals of the
country.

It is further decared that is the duty of the State to protect, safeguard and promote the Nation's
cultural heritage, its property and histories, and the ethnicity of local communities which is
consistent with Indigenous Peoples Rights.

It shall support and promote the sustainable development goals for thé provinces through
proper conservation, utilization and development of natural resources to provide optimum yields
on a continuing basis. It shall also adopt the necessary measures leading to the creation of
institutional machinery including among others, fiscal and financial programs to ensure the
effective and efficient implementation of environmental plans, programs and projects.

It shall also promote and encourage the involvement of all sectors of society and utilize the full
and effective participation of all stakeholders in natural resource management, conservation and
protection.



SEC. 3 Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms are defined as follows.

(1) "Ifugao" refers to the Philippine province created under Republic Act No. 4695, otherwise
known as the "Division Law of Mountain Province" and is part of the Cordillera Administrative
Region.

(2) “Ifugao Rice Terraces or IRT” refers to the Banaue, Hungduan, Kiangan, and Mayoyao Rice
Terraces and other Terraces in Ifugao as may be determined by the Ifugao Council for
Sustainable Development

(2) "Participatory processes" means the involvement of all the key sectors of development, from
the grassroots to the policy-making bodies of the National Government, in providing the values
and ideas from which strategic development and environmental protection action can come
about;

(4) "Conservation" refers to the measures adopted for the protection, preservation,
Management, or restoration of natural resources particularly of the Ifugao Rice Terraces.;

(8) “ Ifugao Rice Terraces Rehabilitation and Preservation Plan (IRTRPP)" refers to the
Rehabilitation and Preservation Plan discussed in Section 4 of this Act;

(6) "EMES" refers to the Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation System provided in Section 7
of this Act

CHAPTER II
IFUGAO RICE TERRACES REHABILITATION AND PRESERVATION PLAN: ADOPTION,
PHILOSOPHY AND LEGAL EFFECTS

SEC. 4 ifugao Rice Terraces Rehabilitation and Preservation Plan (IRTRPP) - The IRTRPP
is @ comprehensive framework for the immediate rehabilitation of the ugao Rice Terraces and
subsequent protection through participatory processes and actions. It also seeks to foster the
sustainable development of the Ifugao Rice Terraces compatible with conserving and protecting
the natural resources of the province. The already existing Ifugao Rice Terraces Conservation
and Protection Master plan will be integrated herewith.

The IRTRPP shall serve to guide the local government of ifugao and the government agencies
concerned in the formulation and implementation of plans, programs and projects affecting said
province.

SEC. 5 Ifugao Rice Terraces Rehabilitation and Preservation Plan (IRTRPP) Philosophy. -
The IRTRPP shall have as its general philosophy, the Rehabilitation and Preservation of the
ifugao Rice Terraces, which is the immediate restoration of the Ifugao Rice Terraces and its
subsequent conservation, enhancement and protection. The implementation shall go hand in
hand with the improvement of the quality of life of the people of Ifugao in the present and future
generations by undertaking complementary activities of development and conservation’ that
protect the Ifugao Rice Terraces while allowing the growth of human industries around it.

It shall have the following features:



(1) Ecological viability - The physical and biological cycles that maintain the productivity of
natural ecosystems must always be kept intact.

(2) Social acceptability - The people themselves, through participatory process, should be fully
committed to support sustainable development activities by fostering equity in access to
resources and the benefits derived from them.

(3) Integrated approach - This allow for a holistic view of problems and issues obtaining in the
environment as well as opportunities for coordination and sharing that will eventually provide the
resources and political will to actually implement and sustain IRTRPP activities.

SEC. 6 Legal effects. - The IRTRPP shall serve as the framework to guide the government
agencies concerned in the formulation and implementation of plans, programs and projects
affecting the environment and natural resources of Ifugao. It shall therefore be incorporated in
the Regional Development Plan of the Cordillera Administrative Region as part of said plan.

CHAPTER IV
SUPPORT MECHANISM

SEC, 7 Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation System (EMES)— To measure the
effectiveness of the IRTRPP, it shall establish an Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation
System (EMES) which shall ensure a systematic and reliable means of data generation for the
various concems of the IRTRPP. It shall measure changes in geological and environmental
status, identify adverse environmental trends and crisis areas, recommend solutions, assess the
implementation of the IRTRPP, and suggest measures to make the IRTRPP more responsible
to the changing needs

‘An Annual Report shall then be provided to the Provincial Local Government Unit and
will be available to the public,

SEC. 8 Environmental Research - The IRTRPP shall provide for a system of research so that
additional information for accurate planning as well as data to solve arising problems in the
implementation of the IRTRPP shall be supplied. As such, the IRTRPP's researches shall not
be confined to the physical and biological features of the environment, achieved through
surveys, monitoring, resource assessments and research into processes, but shall also extend
to policies and socioeconomic questions.

SEC. 9 Environmental Education and Extension - The IRTRPP shall design environmental
information and education designed to gradually wean the people away from destructive
practices and shall recommend practical ways as an alternative. This practices and
recommendations shail be determined by the Department of Agriculture.

Training programs for the non-governmental organizations (NGO's), business sector
representatives and community leaders shall be organized. This may establish linkages
between the NGOs, community leaders, sector representatives and the staff of line agencies
development communication or public information section and at the same time, be used to plan
‘out a comprehensive public information drive.

Simultaneously, community organizing shall be enhanced to reinforce non-formal approaches,
complementing regular environment/science courses in the school.



CHAPTER V
ADMINISTRATIVE MACHINERY FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE IRTRPP.

SEC. 10 Ifugao Council for Sustainable Development. - The governance, implementation
and policy direction of the Ifugao Rice Terraces Rehabilitation and Preservation Plan shall be
exercised by the herein created Ifugao Council for Sustainable Development (ICSD), hereinafter
referred to as the Council, which shall be under the Office of the President.

It shall be composed of the following:
a. Members of the House of the Representatives representing the province of Ifugao;

Deputy Director General of the National Economic and Development Authority;
Undersecretary of Environment and Natural Resources;

Undersecretary of the Department of Tourism

Undersecretary for Special Concerns of the Department of Agriculture;
Governor of Ifugao:

Representative from the NCIP Provincial Office

Local chief executives of the concerned municipalities

Representatives from the farmer's organizations

Representatives from the Indigenous Peoples Organizations from each heritage site
Representative/s from NGOs involved in the safeguarding of the Ifugao Rice Terraces
Executive Director of the Ifugao Council for Sustainable Development Secretariat as
provided in Section 14 of this Act;

cet seteses

m. Such other members from the public or private sectors as the majority of the Council
may deem necessary.

The Council shall elect, from among its members, a Chairman and a Vice-Chairman

SEC. 11 Quorum. - A majority of the members of the Council shall constitute a quorum for the
conduct of business.

SEC. 12 Compensation. - The members of the council shall be entitled to per diems and
allowances in accordance with existing laws in the performance of their dutiés and in carrying
‘out of the business of the Council. The per diems shall be in the amount of One Thousand
Pesos (Php. 1,000) for every meeting: Provided, that the per diems collected do not exceed the
equivalent of per diems for four (4) meetings in a month.

SEC. 13 Powers and Functions. - In order to successfully implement the provisions of this Act,
the Council is hereby vested with the following powers and functions.

a. Formulate plans and policies as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.

b, Recommend to concemed government agencies the restoration, maintenance and
development of the rice terraces walls, irrigations, dikes, paddies, watersheds, access
roads and view decks and assist in the monitoring thereafter;

©. Coordinate with the local governments to ensure that the latter's plans, programs and
projects are aligned with the plans, programs and. policies of the IRTRPP.



h

Call on any department, bureau, office, agency or instrumentality of the Government,
and on private entities and organizations for cooperation and assistance in the
performance of its functions.

Arrange, negotiate for, accept donations, grants, gifts, loans, and other fundings from
domestic and foreign sources to carry out the activities and purposes of the IRTRPP.

Recommend to the Congress of the Philippines such ‘matters that may require legislation
in Support of the objectives of the IRTRPP,

Delegate any or all of its powers and functions to its support staff, as hereinafter
provided, except those which by provisions of law cannot be delegated;

Establish policies and guidelines for employment on the basis of merit, technical
competence and moral character and prescribe a compensation and staffing pattern;

Adopt, amend and rescind such rules and regulations and impose penalties therefore for
the effective implementation of the IRTRPP and the other provisions of this Act.

Enforce the provisions of this Act and other existing laws. Rules and regulations similar
to or complementary with this Act;

Perform related functions which shall promote the development, conservation
management, protection, and utilization of the natural resources of Ifugao; and

Provide livelihood opportunities as en alternate employment for the constituents of these
municipalities; and

Perform such other powers and functions as may be necessary in carrying out its
functions, powers, and the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 14 Council Secretariat - A technical secretariat to the Council headed by an Executive
Director is likewise created. The Secretariat shall serve as the regular professional support staff
of the Council and shall provide the machinery to coordinate the policy and functions, implement
programs, and organize such services as may be required by the Council in the exercise of its
functions. It shall be independent of any other department or agency of the Government other
than the herein provided Council, All the applicable powers, functions, personnel, complement
staff, appropriations, records, equipment, property, funds, and other assets of the Secretariat
shall be determined by the Executive Director. The Executive Director shall be appointed by the
members of the Council. He shall also be ex officio member of the Council

CHAPTER VI
APPROPRIATION AND FINAL PROVISIONS



Sec. 15 Appropriations, - For the implementation of this Act, the amount of Fifty Million Pesos
(P50,000,000.00) per year for five (5) years is hereby appropriated for the Ifugao Rice Terraces
Rehabilitation and Preservation Plan effective upon approval of this Act. Said amount shall be
funded from the gross income of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and shall
be directly remitted in four (4) quarterly installments to a special account of the Council, Also,
Three Percent (3%) of the Travel Tax Collection shall be appropriated to the Council from the

share to be taken from the annual allotment of the travel tax given to the Philippine Tourism
Authority

Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the operations of the Council shall be included
in the General Appropriations Act. A supplementary appropriations in the amount of Thirty
million pesos (P30,000,000.00) shall be provided to the Council from the President's
Organizational Adjustment Fund upon approval of this Act.

The above appropriations shall be separate and distinct from the annual budget of the Council
which shall be Two Percent (2%) of the Travel Tax Collection from the annual allotment of the
travel tax given to the Philippine Tourism Authority. f

Expenses for IRTRPP programs and technical support packages provided by the DSWD.
DECS, DOH, DILG, DOLE, DA, DOJ, NEDA, and the NCCA shall be specified as separate line
items in their respective annual budgets in the General Appropriations Act. Their annual
IRTRPP workplans shall be the basis for these budgets and shall be released directly to their
regional or provincial offices whenever applicable

SEC. 16 - Separability Clause. - If any of the provisions of this Act shall be declared
unconstitutional, the other provisions of this Act shall remain valid.

SEC. 17 Repealing Clause. - All laws; decrees, orders, rules and regulations or parts thereof
contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly

SEC. 18 Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect upon its approval.