BANAUE, Ifugao – Aside from rice and vegetables, Ifugaos have started to plant Vetiver grass along the world famous Banaue rice terraces to protect it from erosion.

According to Ifugao Provincial Agriculturist Raymond Bahatan, Vetiver grass do not form a horizontal mat of roots. Instead, the roots grow almost exclusively downward, making it an effective anti-erosion plant to preserve the terraces. "The grass also stores water supply for the soil," he said.

He said dried Vetiver could also be used to make native bags, baskets, and other souvenir items. It could also be used to make improvised roofs or walls for native Ifugao huts.

Boiled roots of Vetiver grass is also believed to give certain medicinal benefits.

The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera has initially provided P1 million for Vetiver grass propagation.

Earlier, US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristey Kenney and some experts personally visited the world famous tourist spot to see how they could help in its preservation.