Preserving heirloom rice of Cordillera

DURING this season in the Cordillera Region, an age-old tradition of cultivating heirloom rice springs to life. Indigenous farmers who are the custodians of this timeless practice, carefully cradle and prepare these vibrant grains for planting. They begin to manually cultivate these rice crops and continue the cycle and legacy of preserving heirloom rice that spans through generations.

For centuries, the Cordillera's Indigenous peoples have nurtured this heirloom rice, passing it from one generation to the next. These grains are renowned not only for their striking array of colors but also for being the culinary heart of the Cordillerans, embodying the soul of their ancestry and history.

Mostly cultivated in Kalinga, Ifugao, Benguet and Mountain Province, heirloom rice varies in a multitude of colors, including black, purple, brown and red. What makes these grains extraordinary is their exceptional qualities, tasty flavor, unique texture, distinctive aroma and nutritional value.

These are organically produced using traditional farming practices that help sustain the local biodiversity. It is also packed with micronutrients, antioxidants, and phenolic compounds with potential anti-cancer properties.

These rice crops are also known to be resilient against climate change and have grown without the crutch of chemicals. So, when compared to other organic or well-milled rice, heirloom rice is the gold standard, a delight for gourmets and rice enthusiasts here and abroad.

As per the data from the Department of Agriculture (DA), there are 622 thriving heirloom rice varieties in the Cordillera, most of which are being sustainably cultivated.

Meanwhile, Cordillera farmers are also continuously elevating their livelihoods with the support of the DA and other nongovernmental organizations. They're preserving their roots while tapping into a lucrative market, both locally and internationally. They continue to extend an inviting hand to Filipinos as well as to visitors from both domestic and foreign shores, presenting heirloom rice as a cultural cornerstone in the realm of highland agro-tourism.

Data from the Food and Agriculture Organization reveals that heirloom rice exports from the Cordillera region began in 2005. A total of 97 metric tons were exported to the United States between 2005 and 2012, including prized varieties like Tinawon and Unoy. The export market later expanded to include Hong Kong, Canada, Taiwan and the local domestic markets.

Fueling this export journey is PhilExport Cordillera, a stalwart ally in the region's export industry.

According to Deodariel Baniqued, executive director of PhilExport Cordillera, they're on a mission to boost the region's economic potential while celebrating its cultural diversity. They aim to elevate Philippine exports on the global stage by showcasing the Cordillera's unique products, with heirloom rice being one of them. Their vision includes diversifying the country's export portfolio and connecting with niche markets that cater to authenticity and cultural heritage.

Both the DA and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) are committed to helping farmers enhance the purity and quality of their rice production, further expanding international markets, both now and in the future.

As heirloom rice gained prominence, it became a bridge between cultures and borders, carrying with it the stories of Cordillera generations, their hues of tradition, and the promise of a sustainable future for the region's agricultural industry. As these grains traverse the world's culinary landscape, they bring with them the rich heritage and untold stories of the Cordillera people — a gift to be savored by all.

Source: Maniila Times