Ifugao Gov. Dalipog supports use of abandoned rice terraces as medical marijuana plantation

Ifugao, Philippines – Governor, Engr. Jerry Dalipog of Ifugao agreed to the idea of Senator Robinhood Padilla to utilize the abandoned rice terraces in Banaue as marijuana plantation, provided that the proposed measure legalizing medical marijuana will be approved.

During the Senate hearing of health and demography subcommittee, the Senate Bill 230 or the Medical Cannabis Compassionate Access Act of the Philippines authored by Padilla was discussed.

Padilla pushed for the medical use of marijuana or cannabis, as well as further research into its medicinal use. He argued that marijuana has been used to treat conditions such as gout, rheumatism, and malaria.

“Physicians may prescribe cannabis as an alternative medicinal herb for people suffering from cancer, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, damage to the nervous system of the spinal cord, with objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity (uncontrolled muscle spasms), epilepsy, HIV-AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis or similar chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorders, diseases requiring admission into hospice care,” reads the bill.

The bill allows the use of medical cannabis in capsule and oil form to address "debilitating medical conditions" of "qualified patients." To prevent abuse, the measure imposes penalties for marijuana abuse.

In the subcommittee’s hearing, Padilla raised the idea of use of abandoned rice terraces for cultivation.

According to Dalipog, the abandoned terraces particularly in higher areas may be utilized for such purpose. He stressed, however that not all areas should be used.

He said around 60 percent of the terraces in Ifugao are not in good condition after some people from the province left for employment in other places. The repair of the rice terraces, he added, requires huge amount of money.

Dalipog assured his office will support initiatives that will benefit his constituents and will ensure that the production of indigenous rice will not be reduced.

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