THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is stepping up efforts to restore the Banaue Rice Terraces — a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) World Heritage Site facing deteriorating infrastructure, water constraints, and a gradual shift by farmers toward more profitable highland vegetables.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. visited Banaue over the weekend to assess the terraces’ condition and consult local farmers and officials on improving productivity, climate resilience, and rural livelihoods.

The terraces are suffering from damaged stone walls, degraded irrigation networks and worn-out tramlines, while Unesco preservation rules complicate restoration by restricting the use of non-traditional materials.

Local stakeholders have sought support for rehabilitation, irrigation restoration, disaster mitigation, and heirloom rice conservation.

For 2027, the DA has proposed P147 million for terrace restoration in the Cordillera, including P68 million for Ifugao, and P30 million for two agricultural tramlines.

This year, the agency has allocated over P218.8 million for Ifugao covering rice, corn, high-value crops, livestock and climate adaptation programs to benefit more than 400 farmers’ organizations.

The DA’s Philippine Rural Development Project has also been implemented in Ifugao, funding 10 major infrastructure projects worth over P2.025 billion, including seven farm-to-market roads, two potable water supply systems and one communal irrigation system, on top of 18 completed projects worth P810.55 million.

“The Ifugao Rice Terraces are more than a cultural treasure. They are a living agricultural system that supports food production, tourism, and rural livelihoods,” Tiu Laurel said. “Our heirloom rice presents a significant opportunity for export, and we are determined to position it as a premium Philippine product recognized worldwide.”