Climate Change Threatens Philippines' UNESCO Rice Terraces

Doha, Qatar Jul 27, 2026 ALN: Ifugao, Philippines – At first light, the village of Batad begins to stir to life beneath the towering cliffs surrounding its amphitheatre-like rice terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These terraces, a stunning feat of agricultural engineering, have been cultivated for over two thousand years, showcasing the ingenuity of the Ifugao people. They not only serve as a source of sustenance but also as a cultural symbol deeply intertwined with the identity and traditions of the Ifugao community.

Apu Penneng, an Ifugao elder who owns one of the village’s largest tracts of rice fields, struts with youthful confidence along a narrow and steep path in this highland community, situated at an elevation of 1,100 metres (3,608ft) above sea level. Dressed in a traditional loincloth, shawl, and headgear, he is heading for the Tanig, an elaborate morning ritual that occurs before the harvest begins. At a courtyard next to rows of huts, dozens of village women also gather for the Bullogan chi Munbotoh, a procession to the harvest site that is steeped in cultural significance.

Against the glow of the rising sun, the centuries-old terraces finally come into full view, cascading majestically from the sky. The fields of Tinawon rice grains, moist from the drizzle the night before, glimmer like morsels of gold ready for picking. However, this otherwise picturesque landscape is marred by the sight of collapsed earth and boulders scattered throughout the terraces. Such devastation is a stark reminder of the increasing vulnerability of these ancient agricultural systems due to climate change.

In November last year, Super Typhoon Fung-wong triggered a landslide that killed two locals and demolished one of the centuries-old canals irrigating the rice paddies. Approximately 2.2 hectares (5.4 acres) of rice fields were damaged, affecting around 150 farmers. The destruction of the irrigation system is particularly concerning, as it disrupts the delicate balance required for rice cultivation in the region, which relies heavily on traditional methods of water management.

“It was the worst we’ve seen here,” Apu Penneng calmly said, as he pointed to a deforested patch of land above the terraces. From afar, it looked like it had been slashed with a giant blade, a visual testament to the impact of deforestation and climate change on the local environment. The wreckage serves as an unwelcome reminder for villagers of the destructive nature of extreme weather conditions, which have been increasing in frequency and intensity in recent years. Batad has also experienced landslides in 2011, 2023, and 2025, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the community.

The emerging threat of this year’s Super El Niño, a climate phenomenon known to exacerbate global temperatures and drive more extreme weather patterns, has left the Ifugao people worried about further damage to their agricultural heritage. This pattern of climate-induced stress is not isolated to Batad; it reflects a broader trend affecting many regions around the world, particularly those with vulnerable ecosystems and communities.

According to a study published in the scientific journal Nature in August 2025, approximately 80 percent of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites are facing climate-induced stress. The study found that sites in low and middle-income countries receive the least conservation support, making them even more susceptible to the harsh realities of climate change. In tropical monsoon areas, these conditions include record-breaking heatwaves, extended droughts, and sudden, heavy rainfall—much like what struck Batad in November 2025.

“Climate change is really aggravating the situation on the ground,” said lawyer Marlon Martin, head of the Save the Ifugao Terraces Movement (SITMO). He emphasizes that the rice terraces require a delicate balance of moisture throughout the year to remain intact and stable. However, due to recent dry spells, deep cracks have developed in the terraces, making them increasingly susceptible to erosion. “When sudden bursts of rain occur, the water would seep into the cracks too abruptly, resulting in erosion and even soil collapse,” he added, warning that the looming Super El Niño could exacerbate these issues, leading to more devastating consequences for the community.

Steve Baccay, head of Ifugao’s Provincial Agriculture and Environment Office, estimates that an equivalent of $500,000 is needed for restoration work in Batad following the landslide that occurred last November. This financial burden underscores the significant resources required to address the impacts of climate change on the community's agricultural infrastructure. Since the disaster, Batad residents have come together on several occasions to engage in voluntary communal work known as bachang to repair the damaged irrigation canal. This communal effort reflects the strong sense of community and resilience among the Ifugao people, who have historically relied on collective action to navigate challenges.

The social welfare and labor departments have also extended emergency food and cash assistance to affected farmers, providing some relief in the wake of the disaster. However, additional national government aid is unlikely until the next fiscal year, leaving the community in a precarious situation as they brace for potential further climate-related challenges.

Climate change is not a new phenomenon for the Ifugao people; for centuries, they have adapted to environmental changes using Indigenous engineering techniques to protect the terraces. However, as Marlon Martin points out, the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events necessitate a more robust national intervention to ensure the long-term sustainability of these vital agricultural systems.

For Batad village chief Romeo Heppog and his family, the rice terraces represent more than just a source of livelihood; they embody their identity and way of life. Organizing the annual rice harvest festival serves as a way of honoring their ancestors and renewing their “sacred oath” to preserve the terraces for future generations. This cultural commitment is vital for maintaining the traditions and values that have sustained the Ifugao people for millennia.

During the Tanig pre-harvest sacred ritual, Heppog watches closely alongside Apu Penneng as Apu Buy-a Nadyug, Batad’s chief Indigenous priest known as Mumbaki, leads the harvest rituals. These rituals include the pouring and drinking of fresh rice wine, which is a significant cultural practice that reinforces community bonds and spiritual connections to the land. Hunched on the ground next to a pair of wooden Bulul, which embody invisible spiritual beings of the Ifugao, the octogenarian Apu Buy-a Nadyug recites verses seeking blessings and protection for the harvest.

In one of the final acts of the hour-long sacred ritual, Mumbaki Apu Buy-a Nadyug scrutinizes the guts of the chicken, pronouncing another year of “bountiful harvest.” This moment is steeped in cultural significance, as it reflects the community's deep spiritual connection to their agricultural practices and the land they cultivate. Apu Penneng and Heppog then lead the banging of gongs, signifying merriment and the start of the joyful harvest. For a moment, the worries of the villagers of Batad are drowned out by the loud rhythmic sound that has been passed down through generations, a reminder of their resilience and cultural heritage.

As Apu Penneng proceeds to his rice field for the harvest, his face beams with pride as he gazes at the panoramic view of Batad. From a distance, the 2,702 metres (8,865ft) Mount Amuyao, the country’s 10th highest peak, towers over Batad, serving as a natural guardian against the threats of nature. “We will get through this,” said Apu Penneng, embodying the spirit of resilience that characterizes the Ifugao people. Their commitment to preserving their cultural heritage and adapting to the challenges posed by climate change will be crucial in the years to come, as they strive to protect not only their rice terraces but also the identity and traditions that define them.