Introduction

The terraced paddy fields of the Philippines are composed of 5 sets of rice terraces: Batad and Bangaan (both in Banaue), Mayoyao (Mayoyao), Hungduan (Hungduan) and Nagacadan (in Kiangan). All are in Ifugao Province, Philippines. Almost these rice fields were built 2,000 years ago and are passed down from generation to generation. They have reached a higher altitude than most others.
Ifugao rice terraces illustrate the remarkable capacity of human culture to adapt to new social and climatic pressures as well as to implement and develop new ideas and technologies. They were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995.