Banaue Rice Terraces Postcard

Another Banaue Rice Terraces postcard in my collection.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE:

The rice terraces is of world significance archeologically, ecologically, engineering and architecturally, and socially. It is the only Philippine monument constructed without foreign intervention. In terms of engineering, it is an ingenious system of hydraulics designed to provide and distribute water equitably from upper to lower terraces. Architecturally, the houses of the Ifugao terraces reflect the shape, condition and materials of the mountain. Socially, terraces as cultural landscape, distinctly exhibits the intricate relation of man to his environment in terms of myths, rituals, traditions and life ways.

Banaue Rice Terraces Postcard

In Asia, the Philippine terraces is distinctive because they are situated with sloped of up to 70 percent. Archeologically, the rice terraces are dated at 1000 B.C., establishing an early complex farming and irrigation system in the mountains. Ecologically, it is environment-friendly, manifested in the use of upland rice varieties, the contouring of mountainsides, waterways and protected forests.

RELATED ENTRY:
Banaue Rice Terraces Postcards

SOURCE:
Pamanaraan: Writings on Philippine Heritage Management
By Eric Babar Zerrudo
Chapter 7: Ifugao Rice Terraces, pp. 159-160