Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras (Filipp. Mga Hagdan-Hagdang Palayan ng Kordilyera ng Pilipinas; Ifugao Payyo, English Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras) are rice fields that follow the contours of mountain slopes in Ifugao Province, Philippines. The fields were created over two thousand years ago. In 1995 they were included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From 2001 to 2012, the fields were on the list of objects under threat of destruction.
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| Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras |
Mood
Rice terraces are located on the island of Luzon in the northern part of the Philippine archipelago. They reach great heights above sea level, are built on very steep slopes and exactly follow the natural contours of the slopes. In addition, the terraces are characterized by a well-developed irrigation system.
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| Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras |
World Heritage
The World Heritage Site includes five clusters, recognized as the most beautiful and well-preserved:
The Nagacadan Terraces in Kiangan Municipality are separated by a river;
Terrace Anduan (Hungduan);
The central part of the terraces (Mayoyao) also includes the traditional farmers' bale (houses) and alang (granaries) farm buildings;
The Bangaan Terraces in the municipality of Banaue also includes a traditional local village;
The terraces of Batad in the municipality of Banaue are designed in the form of a semicircular amphitheater with a village at its base.