Banaue Rice Terraces Face Decline; Call for Preservation Intensifies

Banaue, Ifugao — Once hailed as one of the 7 Wonders of the World, the iconic Banaue Rice Terraces are now showing visible signs of neglect and erosion, raising concerns over the preservation of this cultural and historical treasure.

A delegation composed of professors from Bulgaria, representatives from the Provincial Government, United Chosen President Sheryll Ann Mesina of the Rotary Club of Aseana Manila, members of the ASEAN Carbon Market Sustainability Council, and officials from the Climate Change Commission recently visited the site to witness its current condition.

The visit highlighted not only the terraces’ enduring beauty but also the urgent need for action to prevent further deterioration. “Awareness must come before revival. And revival must come before it’s too late,” participants emphasized, underscoring the importance of coordinated efforts from government agencies, local communities, and preservation advocates.

More than a tourist attraction, the Banaue Rice Terraces represent a living legacy of the Ifugao people’s heritage and ingenuity. Stakeholders urged sustained action to protect and rehabilitate the site before irreversible damage occurs.

Submitted by: AG Joselito “Deo” Pamilar and UCP Sheryll Ann Mesina from Rotary Club of Aseana Manila