Extra Rice in Banaue

The air is now thinner and colder. Our ears are popping and our bodies are a bit sore from the long hours of sitting. The "welcome to Banaue" sign signifies that we are almost there.

First stop: Banaue Rice Terraces

Artista with real-time Facebook updates! Haha. #RexAppeal

The Hagdan-hagdang Palayan or the Banaue Rice Terraces is one of the most iconic views in the Philippines. It is a testament of the hard work of the Ifugao through the years. The main purpose of terrace farming is to reduce surface runoff and erosion and to support the irrigation of crops, such as rice.

I could vividly remember that the Banaue Rice Terraces was one of the earliest learning from my Civics class in elementary. It was one of the World Heritage Sites and is considered by Filipinos as the "eighth wonder of the world". It served as mountainside farmland for more than two thousand years now.

Hues of green all-around!

However, the "was" part is worth emphasizing, as the terraces now has signs of degradation. There are concrete houses sporadically located amidst the terraces and this ruined some of the view of the Banaue Rice Terraces. At least there is still a viewing deck where we can have a good view of the terraces. It is the part seen at the back of the 1000-peso Philippine bill.

I want to write good things about the places that I visit as much as I can. Yet, I cannot sugarcoat things to appease the false "Filipino pride". If the locals of Benguet, in cooperation with the government, do not aggressively implement programs for the preservation of this heritage site, then I can imagine the glorious Banaue Rice Terraces in ruins right before our very eyes.

Until the next adventure,

Dena