THE known history of the Ifugao Rice Terraces may just be challenged.
Ifugao Representative Teodoro Baguilat Jr. told media recently that whatever findings there may be from the Ifugao Archeological Project, Ifugao communities must be informed to validate these findings and certify if they are acceptable.
The Ifugao Archeological Project (IAP) is a multi-year research project in the declared Unesco World Heritage Site, the Ifugao Rice Terraces, which was officially launched in 2012.
This study focuses of the sustainability of the agricultural systems in Ifugao by using landscape approach and historical ecology framework.
In particular, it documents the growth of agricultural system in Ifugao by examining the historical development of the many terrace systems by mapping, archeological excavations, artifact processing and laboratory analysis and interviews.
While it has always been believed the rice terraces is around 2,000 years old, as declared by American anthropologist H. Otley Beyer, recent findings of IAP show the rice terraces were built around 1560s to 1580s.
The study also suggests people who built the heritage site were Magat River settlers.
Although no official report of findings has reached the office of Baguilat yet, he said he's been hearing results of the study.
"Right now yung findings nila, it changes a lot about what we commonly known as Ifugao history," he said.
Based on archeological diggings, the IAP rice was not really the original produce of the terraces but taros.
"It also changes the perception na rice is our staple because it is called rice terraces," the solon added.
For the past years, the IAP documented and had excavations in the village of Old Kiyyangan in Kiangan, Ifugao which is known as the oldest village in Ifugao. Aside from the terraces, the settlements of Hapao in Hungduan, Ifugao was also looked into.
For the field season this year, the IAP is set to concentrate to interior clusters by using landscape archeology approach where historical, ecological and ethnographic dimensions of Ifugao existence will be studied.
While work continues for the IAP, Baguilat stressed the Ifugao communities must be consulted regarding the results.
"Kinakailangan ipresent para mavalidate ng community na tama," he stressed.
Although some findings may contradict the established Ifugao history, Baguilat said personally, he will accept and consider the truth in the results as they were scientifically studied.
"Ang sa akin lang is to make sure after they have put into catalog all of the articles, ibalik sa Ifugao," said Baguilat.
The solon wants for all articles discovered by the IAP to be returned to Ifugao and displayed in the Open Air Museum in Kiangan so they may be added to the preserved articles reflecting the Ifugao history.
Meanwhile, Filipino archeologist Stephen Acabado who leads the IAP once clarified the aim of the research project is only to identify the actual age of the Ifugao rice terraces but to promote the idea that its age will not lessen the value of the heritage site.
The IAP is backed by the University of Guam, University of the Philippines - Archeological Studies Program, National Museum of the Philippines, Save the Ifugao Movement, Inc., and the local government of Kiangan.