Travel and rediscover the hidden heritage of Tibiao, Antique’s rice terraces.
TRAVEL – Deep down the the mountains of the town San Remigio in the province of Antique is where can be found the well-preserved rice terraces of the Iraynon-Bukidnon.
In the report of the Inquirer Net, along the 600 hectares land is where the indigenous group, Iraynon-Bukidnon, preserved a mass of rice terraces which is now recognized as a cultural treasure.
According to the report, the said cultural treasure was discovered by a member of the faculty of University of the Philippines-Visayas, who is also a co-founder of the Panay Bird Club.
The faculty member’s name is Emmanuel Lerona. He had the place discovered on February 2014 when he was browsing the Google maps and at that moment, he is conducting a study on the University of the Philippines Miag-ao campus about birds.
He said that while browsing he noticed odd formations between San Remigio and Valderrama.
“Upon zooming in, I realized the formations were rice terraces. And the area was quite big,” he added.
Lerona reported his discovery to Katahum Tours. A team went for an expedition to confirm the place and had crossed five mountains to finally reach the Antique Rice Terraces.
The terraces is situated in a valley surrounded by mountain peaks. Hundred of kilometers to the northwest from the valley are two waterfalls and on its opposite direction is the Sibalom river.
The two falls is called Iglanit and Igtamoni, it supplies water for the rice fields.
It was actually no wonder why only few visits the place. The nearest barangay to reach the destination is 18-kilometer trek.
As mentioned in the report, Joel Viceda, a teacher of General Fullon Elementary school said, “Antique Rice Terraces is a continuing heritage because we are motivated and inspired not only to preserve but also to expand our rice fields.”
