Publications
Conservation for Whom? Archaeology, Heritage Policy, and Livelihoods in the Ifugao Rice Terraces
Heritage conservation must prioritize adaptability and community-driven stewardship over rigid authenticity to sustain dynamic socio-ecological systems. A study of the Ifugao Rice Terraces reveals that their long-term viability depends on integrating livelihoods, functional flexibility, and local governance. Archaeological, ethnographic, spatial, and agricultural economic data show that wet-rice agriculture's expansion in the 17th century replaced earlier systems but maintained adaptive strategies, such as incorporating swidden fields and ritual practices. Contemporary shifts—like labor migration and climate variability—reflect ongoing adaptation rather than decline. Comparative analysis with other heritage sites underscores the need for conservation models that support economic viability and local authority to ensure cultural continuity in response to future challenges.
Organic Matter Clogging Results in Undeveloped Hardpan and Soil Mineral Leakage in the Rice Terraces in the Philippine Cordilleras
A critical threat to the UNESCO-listed Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras—flooded paddies at risk of collapse due to excessive water infiltration—has been linked to organic matter clogging rather than the intended hardpan formation. Research reveals that high organic matter content, which suppresses water drainage, leads to reductive soil conditions and mineral leaching (phosphorus, potassium, calcium, manganese). Field surveys and soil analysis demonstrated that undeveloped hardpans, combined with organic buildup, hinder terrace stability while depleting essential nutrients. Unlike hardpan formation, organic clogging is invisible from the surface, complicating management. The study advocates for pre-planting hard layer checks and post-crop drainage during the rainy season to mitigate risks while sustaining traditional farming practices.
The Short History of the Ifugao Rice Terraces: A Local Response to the Spanish Conquest
Contrary to long-held beliefs, the Ifugao Rice Terraces in the Philippine Cordilleras were not established 2000–3000 years ago but rather emerged as a recent adaptation to Spanish colonization. This study challenges the dominant historical narrative by integrating radiocarbon dating, faunal isotopic signatures, human osteological remains, archaeobotanical data, energetics assessments, and spatial analysis. Findings suggest that the shift to wet-rice cultivation was a response to colonial pressures rather than an ancient practice. The research employs Bayesian modeling alongside ethnohistorical and ethnographic evidence to reconstruct the terraces' origins, offering new insights into their cultural and historical significance.
Plant Microfossil Results from Old Kiyyangan Village: Looking for the Introduction and Expansion of Wet-field Rice (Oryza sativa) Cultivation in the Ifugao Rice Terraces, Philippine Cordilleras
A groundbreaking analysis of plant microfossils from Old Kiyyangan Village, Ifugao Province, reveals preliminary evidence for the introduction and expansion of wet-field rice (Oryza sativa) cultivation in the Philippine Cordilleras. Pollen, phytolith, and starch analyses of 12 sediment samples date human activity to approximately 810–750 cal. b.p., with the first rice remains appearing around 675 cal. b.p. A significant increase in these remains after 530–470 cal. b.p. suggests a late expansion of rice cultivation, corroborating previous studies. This study provides the initial sediment-derived ancient starch and phytolith evidence for Oryza sativa in the Philippines, offering new insights into the agricultural history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Woody habitats promote pollinators and complexity of plant–pollinator interactions in homegardens located in rice terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras
Woody habitats significantly enhance bee diversity and abundance, as well as the complexity of plant-pollinator interactions in homegardens within the UNESCO-listed Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras. The study found that wild bee richness was higher in gardens surrounded by woody areas compared to those farther from woodlands, while bee abundance increased with greater flower cover. Wild bees were also more active on cultivated plants than domesticated bees (Apis cerana), contributing to 76% of total flower visits. Pollinator-plant networks were more intricate in gardens near woody habitats, highlighting the ecological importance of preserving and restoring such landscapes for sustainable pollination services in smallholder agricultural systems.
Local Visions of the Landscape: Participatory Photographic Survey of the World Heritage Site, the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras
Local residents of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, exhibit deep awareness of their ancestral landscape and its role in livelihoods and food supply. This insight emerged from a participatory photographic survey involving community members, revealing their intimate connection to the terraces beyond stereotypical depictions often promoted by tourism and media. The study highlights how local perceptions contrast with outsider narratives, offering a nuanced understanding of cultural heritage that integrates traditional knowledge with modern conservation efforts.
Living cultural landscape: Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras
The Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras exemplify a unique cultural landscape shaped by the Ifugao people's traditional agricultural practices over two millennia. These terraces, aesthetically striking and ecologically integrated, reflect a communal system of rice production that harmonizes with the surrounding forest and irrigation systems. The study highlights the role of local communities in preserving this site's outstanding universal value while addressing challenges posed by social and economic changes. By analyzing the interplay between human adaptation and environmental management, the research underscores the resilience and continuity of these terraces as a testament to sustainable cultural practices.
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