|
Banaue is one of the municipality provinces of Ifugao – the landlocked area in Luzon. Banaue is popularly known as the site of the Banaue Rice Terraces. These are known as the Eighth Wonder of the World. The Banaue Rice Terraces begin at the foot of the mountain ranges and extend several thousand feet upwards. The Banaue Rice Terraces of the Philippines have been phrased as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is believed that the length of the Rice Terraces of Banaue would encircle half the globe. They were constructed about two millennia ago. The Banaue Rice Terraces attest the technical expertise and ingenuity of the sturdy Ifugaos. The Banaue Rice Terraces were irrigated by the mountain streams and springs which were tapped into canals that run downhill through rice terraces. Once upon a time, the Banaue Rice Terraces extended northeast to Cagayan and in the south up to Quezon. However, they are now showing signs of deterioration, especially following the severe earthquake of 1990. This is one of the ecological casualties that have been encountered by the Banaue Rice Terraces along with the El Nino which led to acute droughts. This was followed by giant earthworms eroding the soil of the terraces. The Banaue terraces are part of the Rice Terraces of the Philippines Cordilleras. They are ancient sprawling structures that are found in the Apayao, Benguet, Mountain Province and Ifugao. The locals of Banaue still tend to sustain themselves solely by agriculture although the younger generations find the hospitality industry more lucrative. However, one must note that hospitality has been engendered by the Banaue Rice Terraces. Extensive tourism has consequently led to the gradual erosion of the characteristic “steps” which need reconstruction and care. The Banaue Imbayah is a unique three-day ethnic sports festival celebrated every four years. It is a sight the visitor should not miss, for it illuminates the cultural facets of Banaue.
|
