The Banaue Rice Terraces are one of the most beautiful and stunning tourist attractions in the Philippines. It has been dubbed the "Eighth Wonder of the World" due to its remarkable qualities. It is a cultural heritage that was built by the ingenuity of ancient Ifugao people using only basic tools and human labor, without the assistance of modern technology.

However, it has been in danger of deterioration, and the once-preserved landscape is nearly gone. This is due to factors such as climate change which results in farmers who tend and care for this land are moving to other jobs such as tourist guides or construction workers. Their job change is due to higher wages and the high cost of repairing and tending to their land, which causes them to abandon their plots.  Samsong Chommog a former rice farmer stated that “Some farmers abandon their land cause they don’t have enough money to repair terraces, they prefer being construction workers or tourist guides. Even me, I work as a guide or help other farmers but I must admit I earn better money with tourism.”

With its current state, the government and we Filipinos should assist in preserving and making these farmers feel secure in their work. Here are some of the reasons why it is critical to preserve this cultural heritage.

• Cultural Heritage: First and foremost, the Banaue Rice Terraces represent the indigenous Ifugao people's cultural heritage and agricultural ingenuity. They are a living testament to ancient farming practices and engineering skills passed down through generations, demonstrating the Ifugao's rich cultural identity. It also demonstrates the resilience of the Ifugao people, as well as how they adapted and modified the landscape to meet their agricultural needs, resulting in a dynamic cultural landscape.

• Sustainable Water Management: The Banaue Rice Terraces' intricate irrigation system exemplifies advanced water management practices. The Ifugao people created a network of channels to efficiently distribute water across the terraces, demonstrating sustainable agricultural water use. The terraces are intended to maximize water usage while minimizing soil erosion, and they serve as an early model for environmentally friendly and efficient farming techniques.

• Tourism and Environmental Education: The terraces play an important role in tourism and environmental education. Visitors can learn about sustainable agricultural practices, traditional farming techniques, and the importance of preserving natural landscapes in the fight against climate change. It is also a well-known symbol of the Philippines, and it is frequently featured in promotional materials, textbooks, and cultural representations, all of which help to improve the country's global image, tourism appeal, and economic impact.

Climate change is a natural disaster that can only be mitigated rather than avoided. This is why this petition is looking for people who are willing to help these farmers change their situation during this crisis. This is to ensure and inform our government that, in addition to Boracay, there are other wonderful tourist destinations in the Philippines that should be prioritized. Furthermore, the Banaue Rice Terraces are a home for many Filipinos, and their livelihood will suffer if they are not repaired or maintained. 

SIGN THIS PETITION TO ASSIST OTHER FILIPINOS AND THE COUNTRY!

#SaveOurHeritage