The Department of Agriculture (DA) is stepping up efforts to protect the Ifugao Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from threats including climate change, aging infrastructure, and shifting farming practices. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. led an assessment visit to Banaue and Batad Rice Terraces over the weekend to review conditions and consult with local farmers and officials.
In 2026, the agency has allocated more than ₱218.8 million to support rice, corn, high-value crops, livestock, and climate adaptation projects. These initiatives will benefit over 400 farmers’ groups across the province. Through the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), DA has already invested over ₱2.025 billion in 10 major infrastructure works, including farm-to-market roads, water supply systems, and irrigation facilities. An additional 18 completed projects worth ₱810.55 million further improve access to markets and basic services.
For 2027, DA has proposed ₱147 million for restoration work across the Cordillera region, with ₱68 million earmarked specifically for Ifugao. Included in this budget is ₱30 million to rehabilitate two agricultural tramlines that serve as critical transport links for remote farming communities.
Officials noted that while the terraces remain a symbol of Filipino ingenuity, stone walls and irrigation systems are deteriorating. Some areas are also being converted to vegetable farms due to water shortages and potential higher earnings, alongside strict UNESCO rules that limit the use of modern materials in restoration.
Secretary Tiu Laurel stated that the goal is to balance heritage protection with modernization. The agency aims to make traditional farming profitable, strengthen climate resilience, and promote Ifugao’s heirloom rice as a premium export product. The rehabilitation of tramlines and farm infrastructure is seen as key to ensuring the longevity of both the cultural site and the livelihoods that depend on it.
