A new video published by Lonely Planet, a popular travel guide book publisher is being criticized heavily by Filipino netizens after stating that the Banaue Rice Terraces were built by the Chinese some 2000 years ago.
From the video, it was noted that the rice terraces were "first built around 2,000 years ago by the Chinese."
A screenshot of the video at 0.50 timestamp clearly shows the texts over the video that says "These mud-walled rice terraces were first built around 2,000 years ago by the Chinese."
Many netizens who have watched the video were quick to correct the erroneous description and some expressed their disapointments.
"The Banaue Rice Terraces was built by the Filipino natives, particularly Igorots. China did not invade Philippines in the past nor did they build any infrastructures in our country. Until recently," one Facebook user commented.
The video was later taken down but, Lonely Planet, as it turns out, has been consistent in the claim. On its website, it says of the rice terraces:
"World Heritage listed, they're impressive not only for their chiselled beauty but because they were introduced around 2000 years ago by the Chinese.".
According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the terraces are an "outstanding example of an evolved, living cultural landscape that can be traced as far back as two millennia ago in the pre-colonial Philippines."
"They are all the product of the Ifugao ethnic group, a minority community that has occupied these mountains for thousands of years," the organization notes on its website.
"The Ifugao Rice Terraces are the priceless contribution of Philippine ancestors to humanity. Built 2000 years ago and passed on from generation to generation, the Ifugao Rice Terraces represent an enduring illustration of an ancient civilization that surpassed various challenges and setbacks posed by modernization," UNESCO further noted.
The terraces are believed to be 2,000 years old and had been built by the Igorot people living in the area.
