Banaue Rice Terraces: Stairways to Heaven

In an earlier post, we mentioned the Philippines' role in the heritage of rice cultivation in SEA. The Cordillera terraces in Northern Luzon is a case in point. With more than 2000 years of history, these terraces have a wealth of traditions and culture, and are on the list of World Heritage. Constructed to overcome the steep mountain slopes, the rice terraces have been a backdrop of local myths, pertaining to the revered rice god, bul-ol. Each Ifugao household possesses a pair of bul-ol figures, hoping to be blessed with good havest and fortune.

However, the rich tradition of the Cordillera terraces has been increasingly diluted by modernisation. The "Bright Light Syndrome" has attracted the younger Ifugaos to move into the cities, resulting in the discontinuation of rice cultivation in many parts. 30% of the rice terraces are abandoned and left fallow. Also, many Ifugaos are deviating from agriculture, and moving towards the more lucrative tourism sector. This video will illustrate certain problems the area is facing, and how the older Ifugaos are fighting to preserve their tradition and culture.


References

Yuson, Alfred A. (2000). Dancing anew on the stairways to heaven. United Nation Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Retrieved 28 March, 2007 from the World Wide Web:
http://www.unesco.org/courier/2000_12/uk/doss6.htm

YouTube. (2007). Retrieved 28 March, 2007 from the World Wide Web:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_rjrWnPmfY