The Living Legacy of Banaue Rice Terraces: A Cultural Marvel

The Philippines is composed of many islands. It is rich in natural resources, diverse cultures, and beautiful tourist spots within the islands. Many tourists visit the country to immerse their selves to these beautiful places.

One of the most visited places in the country are the Philippine cultural heritage. In Pilipino cultural heritage essay this topic will be considered. These places of Philippine cultural heritage were built by the ancestors, inherited and taken care of by the people in the present. These Philippine Cultural Heritage gives the sense of who we are as a Filipino. Aside from that, these beautiful places give us an account of the past wherein we are able to understand and appreciate more these creations.

One of the Cultural Heritage in the Philippines is the Rice Terraces. In 199, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) considers this place as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This breathtaking place lies at the bottom of the Cordillera mountain ranges in Ifugao. It is also known as Mga Hagdang-hagdang Palayan because of its stair-like figure.

According to a source, these rice terraces specifically, Banaue Rice Terraces were built by the Ifugao ancestors about 2,000 years ago. They used stone tools and mud walls to shape the terraces until it was formed like stairs. Moreover, these terraces cover about 4,000 miles and it was assumed that the length of it is half of the earth's circumference, which measures approximately 12,500 miles.

For a long time, the rice terraces were essential to the survival of the Ifugao people, but they also play a central role in their culture. Entire communities work together on systems of gradual, seasonal planting, pest control, and harvesting related to lunar cycles and sometimes accompanied by religious rituals.

The Ifugao Rice Terraces is an epitome of human and unity. It reflects the ability of the community to be influenced to be used as long as people take good care of it. Even the mountains provide a good area for agriculture and irrigation, encouraging the villagers to stay in their place and live there. It reflects Ifugao's creativity and hard work by building this breathtaking place. It reflects Ifugao's creativity and hard work by building this breathtaking place.This unique construction is a striking example of how an ancient culture adapted to its natural environment's hardships.

The preservation of its natural beauty is as still clear, wherein modernization doesn't affect the perseverance of this artwork.The people in this place value unity the most instead of relying on modern technology. Their affection for the place is very evident, despite the environmental issues that had happened. They make sure to protect this heritage.

We, as a Filipino, this beautiful place gives us pride and a sense of belongingness. It doesn't matter if we don't own the place or live in that place but thinking that we live in this country that has beautiful artwork like Banaue Rice Terraces. A simple appreciation from us can help promote this place. Well, promoting is very easy nowadays, with the use of social media. Just a simple click, share, and post. We have to use what we have. Furthermore, we are promoting because we are proud to have this kind of place, we want to introduce that Filipinos are creative, and of course,to exposed not just the view but also the story, people, and culture behind Rice Terrace.

When it comes to protecting the Rice Terraces, as an individual the least we can do is to protect our mother nature. Aside from that, there is a law in the Philippines, the Natural Heritage Act. It is an act that provides the protection and conservation of our Natural Heritage. The people in Cordillera who inherit it will surely protect and preserve this one of a kind creation the Rice Terraces in the Philippines

Indeed, Banaue Rice Terraces is a true beauty to behold. From its features, characteristics and the people who create this scenery. Truly deserve the title as one of the Philippine Cultural Heritage and one of the Seven Wonders of The World.