South Cotabato, Philippines — The Provincial Government of South Cotabato, under the leadership of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., has provided ₱2.5 million for the establishment of a Rice Museum in Lake Sebu, further strengthening the province’s support for the municipality’s historic recognition as the first FAO Village in the Philippines.
The Rice Museum, established with the provincial government’s financial support and complemented by landscaping assistance from the Municipal Government of Lake Sebu, serves as a repository and showcase of the municipality’s rich agricultural heritage, traditional rice varieties, Indigenous knowledge, and cultural practices.
The establishment of the museum forms part of the continuing efforts to preserve Lake Sebu’s traditional rice varieties and promote its heritage as the municipality gains global recognition as the first community in the Philippines to join the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ global network of FAO Villages.
“Lake Sebu’s recognition as the first FAO Village in the Philippines is a proud milestone not only for South Cotabato but for the entire nation,” Governor Tamayo said.
The governor made the statement following the courtesy call of FAO Representative to the Philippines Lionel Dabbadie, whose visit coincided with the official recognition of Lake Sebu as the first FAO Village in the country.
“This global recognition honors the municipality’s rich agricultural heritage, Indigenous knowledge, vibrant culture, and commitment to sustainable rural development,” Tamayo said.
He added that the achievement belongs to the people of Lake Sebu and every South Cotabateño, expressing hope that the recognition would inspire continued efforts to protect the province’s heritage while creating a better future for succeeding generations.
The FAO Villages are located in the communities of Sitio El Lumet, Klubi, Lamcade, Tasiman, and Luhib in Lake Sebu. The communities have strengthened community-led efforts to conserve 102 traditional rice varieties, an invaluable part of Lake Sebu’s agricultural and cultural heritage.
Municipal Tourism Officer Jennifer Tupas said the recognition affirms Lake Sebu’s efforts to protect its natural and cultural heritage while advancing community-led initiatives for sustainable development.
“Aside from strengthening the community-led efforts to conserve traditional rice varieties, it will also become an invaluable part of Lake Sebu’s agricultural and cultural heritage,” Tupas said.
He added that the initiative is aligned with the municipality’s direction of becoming one of the country’s leading destinations for cultural and sustainable tourism.
Through the establishment of community seed banks, participatory rice breeding, and improved seed conservation technologies, the communities have developed a sustainable system for protecting and preserving traditional rice varieties, ensuring that they continue to support food security, climate resilience, and the livelihoods of future generations.
