Rice Terraces – Hidden Heritage in the Middle of Antique

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ANTIQUE RICE TERRACES

Photo from: https://www.facebook.com/tourismphilippines/photos/the-hidden-rice-terraces-of-antique-recently-discovered-via-google-earth-by-up-l/10153380772279064/

A hidden heritage has been “rediscovered” deep in the mountains of San Remigio town, Antique province.

A cluster of rice terraces spread in a combined area of 600 hectares has been preserved by the Iraynon Bukidnon, an indigenous group in Barangay (village) General Fullon, and is deemed a cultural treasure.

The terraces lie in a valley surrounded by rolling hills and several mountain peaks. To the northwest, a few hundred meters away, are two waterfalls. At the opposite direction, the valley descends and is cut by a portion of the Sibalom River. Read more: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/721738/rice-terraces-rediscovered-in-antique#ixzz5XpigE1kE

Photo from: https://www.traveling-up.com/hike-to-antique-rice-terraces/

The Antique Rice Terraces is a living legacy of the indigenous people of Antique called Iraynon Bukidnon.

The Antique Rice Terraces is located in Brgy. Fullon and the rice field covers about 600 hectares of land. According to the oldest living Iraynon Bukidnon, 90 year-old Nanay Elena Rubite-Gomez, the rice terraces was built around 1925-1930.

Going to the rice terraces is not easy. The trek starting from Brgy. Iglinap, Valderrama going to Brgy. General Fullon, San Remegio will take at least 5 hours depending on your group’s capability. You’ll have to pass by 5 mountains so it requires not only strong leg muscles but also patience and great physical endurance. Read More: https://www.choosephilippines.com/go/heritage-sites/3405/antiques-600-hectare-rice-terraces

Photo from: https://www.choosephilippines.com/go/heritage-sites/4773/cultural-treasure-antique-rice-terraces

I thought the Banaue rice terraces of the Mountain Province has a monopoly of rice terraces in the country. But while trekking to the Bugtong Bato Waterfalls in the province of Antique, I caught glimpses of a few rices terraces. I was told that there are more, but hidden from the trail.

The presence of rice terraces is a strong statement about the resilience of a people. It’s no joke to carve a mountain face into steps in order to plant crops. This is tough work under the scorching heat of the sun that usually takes several generations to complete. Having this in Tibiao gave me a sense that these people are not afraid of hard work. They’ll do what it takes to thrive on the land. Read More: http://www.thelonerider.com/2016/nov/rice_terraces/rice_terraces.shtml