2 Banaue rice terraces villages to be ‘painted’

BANAUE Ifugao- The Department of Tourism, in partnership with Davies Paints will paint houses and other facilities of two communities of the Banaue Rice Terraces, a UNESCO world heritage site.

 The project is part of the DOT Rev – Bloom program, an initiative of DOT Cordillera regional director Venus Marie Tan that aims to and revitalize prime tourist destinations in Baguio City and Cordillera. 

One popular Rev – Bloom project of DOT – CAR, in partnership with Davies Paints, is the Mural Community Painting of STOBOSA (Stone Hill, Botiwtiw and Sadjap) along km 3, La Trinidad, Benguet.

For the Banaue Rice Terraces project, it will involve around 6,000 square meters of rooftops and roofs along the Batad rice terraces and the rooftops of around 429 houses and structures in Bocos village.

 The project was officially launched during Imbayah Festival last April 29, with Tan,  Davies Paints Phl marketing communications manager Joann Virina, Banaue Mayor Jerry Dalipog, Ifugao Gov. Pedro Mayam – o and local officials unveiling the project design beside the rice terraces marker in front of the municipal tourism office.

“Development is  bringing in more houses and structures within the rice terraces communities wherein instead of native materials are now using concrete and galvanized iron roofing, thus the project aims to enhance them to blend with the natural beauty of the terraces,” Tan said.  

Tan also called for partnership with concerned communities for the community painting project.

She also encouraged Banaue folks especially those along the roads and within the town to help in re-greening and beautification efforts for the sustainable tourism development of this town that is among the prime tourist destinations in Cordillera. Virina of Davies Paints, said they are excited of the Banaue project.

She disclosed they are developing unique colours in the shade of brown and green that will naturally blend with the rice terraces.    

Dalipog affirmed the municipal government gratitude and support to the DOT – Davies program.