Conservation At Work

Batad In The News
by Roda Novenario

Batad, Banaue, the location of one of the four clusters of rice terraces in the Cordillas that qualified as a World Heritage Site in 1995, is in the news lately, albeit notoriously. And while we lament the unfortunate events, we want to turn the limelight back on what most people come there for: the breath-taking Batad terraces.

There is nothing comparable to the terraces of Batad, especially when it's close to harvest season. The rice stalks grow tall and lush green. The mountain walls that cradle these stalks each stand as high as two people and are fortified with granite rocks. They form what look like steps from afar. Trekking through these terraces makes you feel you're in your own beautifully treacherous maze. You'd wonder how the locals can work here every day.

Did you know that it's a conscious effort on their part? The folks of Batad are aware of the majesty of their terraces. They strive to maintain it, trim the weeds, ensure proper irrigation, and plant rice. And to think the rice harvested here isn't even enough to sustain them. Rice productivity has decreased such that it's actually cheaper for them to import rice from the main town of Banaue. But they still do it - for the sake of a natural wonder bequeathed upon them.

Their likes are dwindling. As their children migrate to cities to acquire jobs with steady income, only the elders are left to till the land. These folks might need our help soon - just a heads up.