Climate change presents new threat to Philippines’ UNESCO rice terraces | Climate Crisis
Ifugao, Philippines — As dawn breaks, the village of Batad awakens beneath the steep cliffs enveloping its rice terraces, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Elder Apu Penneng, a prominent farmer in the community, navigates the steep, narrow paths of this highland village situated 1,100 meters (3,608 feet) above sea level.
Clad in traditional attire, Apu Penneng approaches the Tanig, an elaborate morning ritual marking the onset of the rice harvest. Nearby, village women congregate for the Bullogan chi Munbotoh, a procession to the fields.
With the sun rising, the centuries-old terraces emerge in their full splendor, shimmering as they reflect the remnants of rain from the night prior. However, the beauty of the landscape is marred by evidence of destruction—a landslide has caused significant damage to the terraces.
In November 2025, Super Typhoon Fung-wong triggered a deadly landslide that resulted in the deaths of two locals and destroyed one of the key irrigation canals for the paddies. Approximately 2.2 hectares (5.4 acres) of rice fields were damaged, impacting 150 farmers in the region.
“It was the worst we’ve seen here,” Apu Penneng remarked, gesturing toward an area of deforestation above the terraces, which appeared to have been ravaged.
This devastation serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in the area. Batad has experienced similar landslides in 2011, 2023, and 2025. With the potential threat of this year’s Super El Niño—an environmental phenomenon linked to extreme weather—community members are anxious about further damage.
A recent study published in Nature revealed that 80% of UNESCO World Heritage Sites are facing climate-induced threats, with those in low- and middle-income nations receiving the least conservation support. Areas like Batad often confront harsh conditions, including severe heatwaves, protracted droughts, and sudden heavy rainfalls.
“Climate change is significantly exacerbating the situation,” said Marlon Martin, a lawyer and head of the Save the Ifugao Terraces Movement. He emphasized that the soil must retain moisture consistently to preserve the stability of the terraces. However, recent dry spells have led to deep cracks, increasing the risk of erosion. Sudden heavy rainfall exacerbates this issue, causing water to infiltrate these cracks too rapidly.
Steve Baccay, the head of Ifugao’s Provincial Agriculture and Environment Office, estimated restoration efforts in Batad would require about $500,000 due to the damage from the November landslide. In response, residents have engaged in voluntary communal work, known as bachang, to rebuild the damaged irrigation canal. While local government agencies have provided emergency food and cash assistance, additional national government aid is unlikely until the next fiscal year.
For generations, the people of Ifugao have developed Indigenous engineering techniques to adapt to environmental changes. However, experts agree that national intervention is essential to help the community withstand increasingly severe weather.
Batad village chief Romeo Heppog emphasized the terraces are more than just a source of livelihood; they are integral to local identity and culture. The annual rice harvest festival is a way to honor ancestors and reaffirm the commitment to preserving these terraces.
During the Tanig pre-harvest ritual, Heppog and Apu Penneng observe as Apu Buy-a Nadyug, Batad’s chief Indigenous priest, performs various rituals to bless the upcoming harvest. The ceremony includes offerings and prayers for a bountiful harvest.
As the rituals conclude, the community’s worries momentarily subside amid the joyous sounds of gongs, a tradition passed down through generations. Apu Penneng proceeds to his rice field with a mixture of pride and hope, gazing at Batad’s panoramic views.
Mount Amuyao, the tenth-highest peak in the Philippines at 2,702 meters (8,865 feet), looms protectively over the village. “We will get through this,” Apu Penneng reassured his fellow villagers, encapsulating their resilience amid uncertainty.
