Organized by the Ifugao GIAHS Support Committee-Japan and Ifugao GIAHS Sustainable Development Committee-Philippines, two faculty members of the Ifugao State University (IFSU) presented their research projects for the conservation of the Ifugao Rice Terraces during the 5th Philippines-Japan International Workshop on the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Twinning for Sustainable Development on February 3-4, 2019 in Noto, Japan.

Marah Joy A. Nanglegan, Director for Extension and Training presented her research on Communicating Satoyama in the GIAHS Sites while Dr. Elpidio Basilio, Jr., Director for General Services shared his research on The Ifugao Satoyama Ecosystem Services, Focusing on the Native Swine.

Meanwhile, Eulalie D. Dulnuan, Onsite Project Manager of the Ifugao Satoyama Meister Training Program and Director for IRT-GIAHS R&D Center discussed the ISMTP Phase II Implementation Updates and Future Plans in Phase 3.

The workshop also witnessed the reports and discussions from the universities in the Philippines, presentations of perspectives from stakeholders, GIAHS Twinning among Ifugao, Noto and Sado in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan.  

The second day of the workshop focused on identifying possible funding agencies and sources for the continuity of ISMTP for phase III. Prof. Koji Nakamura, ISMTP Executive Director, solicited strategies and ideas from the Japanese counterparts furthering the said training program.

Suzu City Mayor Masuhiro Izumiya, Chairman of the IGSC graced the workshop.

The workshop is one of the twinning activities stipulated in the agreement between Ifugao and Noto, Japan as a venue to exchange experiences and efforts in the conservation activities of the two GIAHS sites. The Philippine version was held at IFSU Main Campus on January 24, 2019.#